TNGC Reaffirms Ban on Hikers Entering Mount Ciremai Crater Area

The Mount Ciremai National Park Office (TNGC) in West Java has reaffirmed a ban on hikers and visitors entering the crater area of Mount Ciremai, following the circulation of a video on social media showing human activity in the area.

Head of the TNGC Office, Toni Anwar, in a statement in Kuningan on Monday, expressed concern that hiking activities entering the crater zone were still being found.

"We express our concern regarding the continued existence of hiking activities that enter the crater area of Mount Ciremai," he said.

He stressed that the crater area of Mount Ciremai is a core zone that must not be entered by visitors or hikers, considering safety aspects and the preservation of the conservation area.

According to him, activity in the crater area by incompetent and unauthorised parties is a prohibited act.

Furthermore, he noted that the area carries a high level of risk due to the steep, unstable terrain, susceptibility to landslides and rockfalls, as well as the potential presence of toxic gases and changes in volcanic activity.

"The terrain is very steep, unstable, and prone to landslides and rockfalls, with potential toxic gases and changes in volcanic activity, and there are no adequate evacuation routes or rescue access," he said.

The TNGC Office urged all members of the public, particularly hikers on Mount Ciremai, to comply with all applicable rules and standard operating procedures (SOP) for hiking.

"Obey all rules and hiking SOPs in force at TNGC, only conduct hiking activities on officially designated trails, and do not enter the crater area/core zone for the sake of everyone’s safety," he stated.

He also called on all parties to preserve the Mount Ciremai area so that it remains safe and can be utilised sustainably.

"Let us together keep Mount Ciremai safe and sustainable for all of us," Toni said.