Nirmala Road and New Hopes at the Foot of Mount Halimun Salak

This area has the potential to develop as a new growth centre at the foot of Mount Halimun Salak without losing its natural character, which is its main attraction.

Bogor Regency (ANTARA) - The Eid atmosphere in Malasari Village, Nanggung Subdistrict, Bogor Regency, West Java, felt different this year. At the foot of Mount Halimun Salak, queues of vehicles snaked towards the Nirmala tourism area; something that was almost never seen before.

A few years ago, Malasari was known as a remote region. Access to the village was not easy, especially during rain when the roads became slippery and muddy. Now the situation is different. Vehicle traffic during the Eid holiday is even said to resemble the congestion on the Puncak route at weekends.

This change did not come suddenly. The construction of Nirmala Road, spanning 18.5 kilometres, has been the most noticeable turning point. The road, which was previously damaged and difficult to pass, is now concreted, cutting through tea plantations and hillsides.

The Nirmala Road construction is funded from the 2025 Bogor Regency Budget through budget reallocation in accordance with Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025 on accelerating regional development. The work is carried out through the TNI’s Karya Bakti scheme in collaboration with Kodim 0621 and Korem 061 to speed up the process without going through lengthy tender stages.

For residents, the presence of the road is not just about easier driving. Previously, limited access affected many aspects, from daily mobility and access to health services to economic opportunities that were hard to develop.

Now travel distances are shorter. Residents can more easily enter and leave the village, while visitors from outside are starting to arrive. Private vehicles to tourist groups are seen coming and going to the Nirmala area.

In that area, the mountainous landscape, cool air, trekking paths, and waterfalls are the main attractions. Better access makes the area, previously considered “far away”, now feel closer and worth visiting.

The impact was immediately felt during the Eid moment. Simple stalls began to get busy, seasonal traders emerged, and economic activities that were previously limited started to move. Not a few residents are taking advantage of this momentum to open small businesses.

Nevertheless, the changes that have occurred are still in the early stages. The surge in visitors does bring opportunities, but it also leaves homework regarding the management of the tourism area going forward.

Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto reminds of the importance of maintaining a balance between development and environmental preservation. The Malasari area, which borders conservation zones, requires special attention to avoid damage from tourism activities.

Infrastructure and Conservation