Mount Lawu's Hiking Trail, Tourist Sites Off-limits due to Extreme Weather

TEMPO.CO, Magetan - State-run forestry firm Perum Perhutani of the Lawu Forest Management Unit (KPH Lawu DS) has temporarily closed two tourist sites in Magetan Regency following the extreme weather in the area that has been going on for the past few days. They are Mount Lawu’s hiking trail via Cemoro Sewu and Tirtosari Waterfall in Plaosan District.

“The intensity of the rain is getting higher with longer duration. Almost every day, from noon to night, [heavy rain hit the areas],” said the Head of the Sarangan Forest Management Resort (RPH), KPH Lawu DS Supriyanto, Thursday, October 27, 2022.

This poor weather condition is feared to endanger the safety of travelers because of the rising potential for landslides on the slopes of the mountain. “[The closure is aimed at] avoiding unwanted things, such as buried by landslides or crushed by rocks that fall from the hills,” said Supriyanto.

The nature tourism destinations are closed to the public starting Tuesday, October 25, 2022. Supriyanto claimed his side did not target the schedule for the reopening as it depends on the weather.

Supriyanto also said the hiking trail has been sterile from climbers since Monday night, October 24. The closure of tourist destinations in Mount Lawu which has an altitude of 3,265 meters above sea level is common when extreme weather hit the area.

NOFIKA DIAN NUGROHO (CONTRIBUTOR)

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News