TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Park Main Station for Bromo Tengger Semeru (TNBTS) limits the age of Mount Semeru hikers. Only those who are around 10-to-60 years old are allowed to enter climbing area from Ranupani to the peak of Mount Semeru.
This limitation is due to health reason. Fifty five kilometers of back-and-forth Semeru hiking track, also having 30-to-75 percent inclination, requires an excellent physical and physiological condition.
"There has been three accidents since June 2013. One person died because of heart attack, the other two suffered from light injuries, that is why we require the visitors to bring medical clearance from the doctor," said the Head of TNBTS Ayu Dewi Utari.
Based on Tempo's experience, the uphill route from Kalimati to Mahameru peak passing Arcopodo station was the hardest route. Many hikers canceled their journey to the peak because they were exhausted when passing Arcopodo to the vegetation limit, or when climbing the sandy Semeru Mountain back. Visitors must undergo a checking in Ranu Pani, including the checking of visitors' identification cards, names, medical clearances, and the list of visitors' logistics and belongings.
In addition to the age limitation, the visitors are obligated to brought down all of their litters after the hike. Hikers who are caught for improper littering will be fined Rp100,000.
ABDI PURMONO