MPR Chairman Muzani Inspects Tegal's Guci Following Flash Floods, Highlights Suspected Deforestation

MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani inspected the condition of the Guci Tourist Attraction in Tegal, Central Java, following devastating flash floods. Muzani suspected that logging activities had worsened the impact of the disaster.

“This is actually already upstream. But above it, heavier rainfall occurred, and it appears there has been logging,” Muzani said during his site visit on Monday (16/2/2026).

However, Muzani did not elaborate further on the allegation. He went on to urge concrete steps towards environmental recovery to prevent future disasters.

The Tegal Regency Government, Muzani said, is coordinating with the Ministry of Forestry and Perhutani to carry out replanting of trees in water catchment areas.

“The plan is to replant on mountain slopes, on the slopes of Mount Slamet, to achieve reforestation,” Muzani added.

The Guci Tourist Attraction in Bumijawa District, Tegal Regency, was struck by flash floods on Saturday (20/12/2025). The flooding was caused by high-intensity rainfall that caused river flows to overflow.

One of the most iconic attractions affected was Pancuran 13. The hot spring pool, usually packed with visitors, was completely swept away by the floodwaters.

Beyond environmental concerns, Muzani also conveyed local residents’ aspirations for a restructuring of the management of the Guci Tourist Attraction. Among the key requests from residents were the repair of a destroyed bridge and the removal of admission fees to the Pancuran 13 area.

“The community is requesting that Pancuran 13, whose hot springs are the main attraction of this Guci hot spring resort, be made free of charge,” Muzani said.

Until now, the Pancuran 13 area, which falls within the Natural Tourism Park managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), has charged an admission fee of Rp 27,000. Muzani expressed hope that the central government and site managers would consider granting free access to the iconic attraction so it can be enjoyed by the wider public.

“We want the government to pay attention to this vital attraction — the hot springs. The way to do it is by making it free,” Muzani said.

“By making it free, it is hoped that what constitutes the core source of Guci can be enjoyed by as many people as possible from the general public, not just local residents but also visitors from elsewhere,” he concluded.