Perhutani Closes Climbing Routes in East Java to Anticipate Forest and Land Fires

A number of climbers use a mountain climbing route managed by Perhutani, East Java. BETWEEN ANTARA/HO Perhutani, East Java

SURABAYA - East Java Regional Division of Perhutani (Divre Jatim) has temporarily closed a number of managed climbing routes, considering the dry season which has caused fires in several forest areas.

"Not all mountain climbing routes are managed by Perhutani. However, we have instructed that climbing routes such as Mount Lawu via Cemoro Sewu, Mount Penanggungan, Mount Butak, Mount Kelud, and other mountains which are included in Perhutani's forest management in East Java to be temporarily closed," said Head of Perhutani Divre Jatim Amas Wijaya in his statement in Surabaya as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 12.

He said that the notification was also conveyed through a circular letter from the Head of Perhutani, East Java Divre to all Administrators as forest area holders Number 1397/058.4/DIVRE JATIM/2023 dated September 8, 2023, regarding Instructions for Closing Mountain Climbing Routes.

According to Amas, the instruction to close climbing routes was carried out as a preventive measure to anticipate casualties among climbers, considering that this dry season is prone to forest fires.

"The forest fires that occurred in several areas were the main reason for closing all climbing routes in the Perhutani Divre Jatim working area," said Amas.

Responding to the occurrence of forest fires, he emphasized to the ranks below him as forest area holders to be prepared to prevent and control forest fires.

Amas asked his staff to continue coordinating with stakeholders, including the Regency Government, Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Forest Village Community Institutions (LMDH), and other community figures.

"We urge people who are still interacting in forest areas to pay attention to things that can trigger fires. No matter how small the fire is, it can result in a fire that is difficult to extinguish, especially if it occurs on hilly slopes," he said.