Ministry of Forestry Prepares Zero Waste and Zero Accident Nature Tourism for Eid al-Fitr 1447 H Holiday

The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) is finalising preparations for nature tourism services in national parks and nature tourism areas (TWA) ahead of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah holiday. This year, the government is focusing on two main principles: zero waste and zero accidents. Through the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), Kemenhut is ensuring that all Technical Implementation Units (UPT) in the regions have conducted thorough preparations. These steps are aimed at guaranteeing security, comfort, and ecosystem sustainability in conservation areas during the long holiday period. Currently, Indonesia has 57 national parks and 145 nature tourism areas with a total of 580 entry points. Director General of KSDAE, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, stated that his office has instructed enhanced routine patrols and strengthened field supervision in line with directives from the Minister and Deputy Minister of Forestry. Satyawan explained that this year’s preparations cover six main aspects, from managing carrying capacity and visitor limits to implementing cashless payments. “Our preparations are based on six main aspects, starting from regulating carrying capacity and visitor capacity to applying non-cash payments. We want to ensure that every visitor gets a safe and smooth tourism experience,” Satyawan said in an official statement on Thursday (19/3). The use of technology such as online ticket booking serves as the frontline defence to prevent overcrowding at entry points. In addition to speeding up services, this system effectively monitors visitor quotas to maintain safety and comfort for tourists. This policy draws from the success of the previous Nyepi and Lebaran 2025 holiday periods, when 421,683 tourists visited conservation areas, with the peak occurring on H+3 Lebaran. That enthusiasm provided significant contributions to Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) amounting to Rp15.8 billion. Hiking activities remain the favourite, especially at Gunung Leuser, Ciremai, Rinjani, and Bukit Kaba. In addition, the trend of family activities such as halal bihalal in open nature is increasing because it offers a fresh and cool atmosphere. For the 2026 Lebaran holiday, Kemenhut is implementing special operational policies. Some tourist sites will remain open, but others may be temporarily closed based on environmental carrying capacity considerations. To support the zero waste principle, managers will intensify rubbish patrols along tourist routes. Visitors are strongly urged to take their rubbish back with them and to continue complying with instructions from on-site officers to prevent accidents during tourism activities.