Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority (TNBTS) has imposed a five-year blacklist on seven hikers who illegally climbed Mount Semeru in East Java, Indonesia last month.
TNBTS official Septi Eka Wardhani confirmed the sanction, stating that the individuals are now prohibited from hiking Semeru until 2030. “We have imposed a five-year blacklist, barring them from climbing Mount Semeru,” Septi said on Wednesday (Febraury 26), as reported by CNN Indonesia.
The group reportedly ascended the mountain via an unauthorized route in Ampel Gading on January 17-18, 2025, despite an official closure of the hiking trail until February 8.
A viral video captured the seven hikers celebrating at the summit, cheering and jumping in excitement. The footage prompted an investigation by the national park authorities, leading them to identify and summon the individuals for questioning.
“We traced the hikers, contacted them via phone, and issued a summons for clarification at the TNBTS office,” Septi explained.
The group appeared at the TNBTS office in Malang on February 17 and 25, where they admitted to the unauthorized climb.
In addition to the blacklist, each hiker is required to plant 20 tree saplings and document the activity on social media as part of their sanction. “They are blacklisted for five years, required to clarify the incident on social media, and must plant 20 trees each while publicly sharing their reforestation efforts,” Septi stated.
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Public Apology
In a video posted on the official TNBTS Instagram account, one of the hikers publicly acknowledged their wrongdoing and apologized for misleading information spread online.
“The seven of us climbed Mount Semeru through an illegal route and shared false information, which caused unnecessary commotion on social media,” the hiker said.
They also confirmed their compliance with the investigation at the BB TNBTS office in Malang and expressed willingness to accept the consequences of their actions.
“As part of our responsibility, each of us will plant 20 tree saplings and share the reforestation activity on our social media platforms,” the hiker concluded.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to park regulations and environmental conservation efforts. Authorities continue to enforce strict measures to protect Mount Semeru and ensure the safety of both hikers and the fragile ecosystem.
(Raidi/Agung)
