TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Forest tourism management PT Perhutani Alam Wisata (Palawi) reopened Ranca Upas tourism area in Bandung Regency today, March 14, after being closed for nearly a week due to the dirt bike racing event which caused chaos and damaged the environment.

“Today, we reopen Ranca Upas accompanied by tree planting,” said Econique Perhutani Alam Wisata Corporate Secretary, Ronald F Silaen, on Tuesday.

According to him, the location and facilities of ecotourism are open normally, including lodging facilities and camping sites. “Off-road activities for two and four-wheeled vehicles are still prohibited.”

The temporary closure of Ranca Upas was carried out for the restoration of damaged land as well as an investigation into cases of the bike racing event on Sunday, March 5, which turned into chaos allegedly due to a lack of committee coordination.

The incident which went viral on social media also led to the burning of a motorbike, which was the prize of the championship, by some disappointed participants. The residents also protested the event that destroyed their plantation.

The reopening of Ranca Upas was also aimed at supporting the economy of the people who rely on tourism. “We understand very well that there are many local traders who are relying heavily on tourism operations,” said PT Palawi Risorsis Director, Lucy Mardijana Soebijakso. A prolonged closure could kill the economy.

Ranca Upas has a tourism area of 24.49 hectares, while its camping site is 8.51 hectares. Besides camping, visitors can spend the night in several lodging places. There are also arenas for playing paintball, archery, riding mountain bikes, flying fox, horse riding, and riding ATVs.

According to Ranca Upas Marketing Staff Utep Saep, ahead of Ramadan is usually the peak period for tourist visits. “[The number of visitors] decline during the fasting month. It will be crowded again during the Eid holiday,” he said, on Sunday, March 12.

During peak times, around 2,000 - 3,000 people visit Ranca Upas per day. The ratio between the number of visitors and those who stay is almost equal. “On Saturday nights, there can be 1,000-2,000 people camping,” said Utep.

ANWAR SISWADI (CONTRIBUTOR)

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