Mount Dempo trekking route set to reopen before the end of May

The Deputy Mayor of Pagar Alam has urged the trekking route to be opened ahead of the end of May, according to a PVMBG report indicating a decline in Mount Dempo’s eruption activity during the period from 1 April to 15 May 2026. The Balai Registrasi Gunung Merapi Dempo (Brigade) is finalising plans to reopen Mount Dempo’s trekking route in South Sumatra (Sumsel), with a target before the end of May 2026. The plan emerged after Brigade conducted a series of hearings and coordination with the Pagar Alam City Government, the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and the Pagar Alam Police Resort (Polres). Brigade Secretary Desta Ndruru in Pagaralam confirmed that the reduction in volcanic activity forms the main basis for the proposed reopening. “We have coordinated with various parties and the Deputy Mayor of Pagar Alam has requested that the trekking route be opened promptly before the end of May. This takes into account PVMBG’s report showing a decline in the eruption activity of Mount Dempo during the period 1 April to 15 May 2026,” he said. The rapid move is motivated by Mount Dempo’s status as a premier tourist destination projected to attract many visitors ahead of Pagar Alam’s 25th anniversary in June 2026 and the upcoming Independence Day commemoration within three months. The policy also aligns with Governor Herman Deru’s earlier statement that all Mount Dempo destinations have begun reopening. Before meeting the executive, Brigade first held a hearing with the DPRD of Pagar Alam on Monday (18 May), which was attended by Deputy Speaker Syahrol Effendy. Brigade also secured support from law enforcement after meeting with the Pagar Alam Police Chief represented by AKP Ramsi. In that meeting, police reminded Brigade to maintain tight coordination with PVMBG and the Forest Management Unit (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan, KPH) before formally inaugurating the route. The move is seen as crucial to minimise safety risks and ensure hikers’ safety while in the Mount Dempo area.