Mount Climbing In Bali Is Prohibited, Koster Recruits Climbing Guides To Become Contract Workers

Mount Agung/DOK BETWEEN/Fikri Yusuf

DENPASAR - Bali Governor Wayan Koster said he would recruit climbing guides on Mount Agung and Mount Batur to become contract workers for mountain guards and forest rangers.

"Regarding guides for mountain climbers, we will raise them as contract workers for mountain guards and forest rangers," said Governor Koster as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, June 5.

With the climbing guides being appointed as contract workers, he said, their income was even more increased.

"They were appointed as contract workers, even higher in income. If there (the original work) the income is uncertain," said Governor Koster.

The number of climbing guides on Mount Batur currently operating is 200 people and on Mount Agung there are 67 people.

Previously, the Governor of Administrative Affairs Koster said he would prohibit climbing all mountains in the province and before officially closing climbing and mountain activities as tourist attractions, regional regulations (perda) would be made first.

Koster has also issued the Circular Letter (SE) of the Governor of Bali Number 4 of 2023 concerning New Order for Foreign Tourists.

"To close (the mountain for tourist attractions) a regional regulation will be made. For now, I have written to the Minister of Environment and Forestry to prohibit mountains as a tourist attraction. I have his WA and in principle agreed. I also communicate other ministers," said the Governor of Koster.

Koster also said that the Council of Traditional Villages and Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) of the local province also stated that it would support the mountains in Bali no longer being used as tourist attractions.

"Adabhisama sulinggih (Hit Hindu convict) who gave directions to the mountain is a sacred area. Therefore, it should not be used as a tourist attraction, let alone to climb," said the former member of the three-term DPR.

The elders and holy people in Bali have organized Bali with efforts on a scale (jasmani-rani) basis.

"That's why Bali has a strong aura, strong taksuyang, comet (sakral). One of Bali's natural sources is mountains and other elements," he said.

By considering various aspects, both social and economic, Governor Koster chose to follow the direction of bhisama from parasulinggih.