Mount Semeru tourism recovery focuses on nature and cultural heritage

  Presidential Special Envoy for Tourism Zita Anjani emphasized that the post-eruption recovery of Mount Semeru should serve as an opportunity to reorganize the tourism area by prioritizing environmental and cultural preservation.

She said this approach is essential to ensure long-term sustainability.

“Mount Semeru is not merely a geographical area but an iconic natural destination known internationally,” she said in a written statement received in Lumajang, East Java, on Sunday.

Zita noted that the cultural authenticity of communities living on the slopes of Semeru, including local traditions, environmental wisdom, and daily practices, is an integral component that must be safeguarded at every stage of recovery.

She explained that recovery efforts should not focus solely on physical infrastructure but must also consider environmental conservation, especially along hiking trails, disaster-prone areas, and buffer zones.

Zita added that strengthening the area’s carrying capacity is equally important, covering improvements to access routes, evacuation paths, and supporting facilities to ensure visitor safety.

She also highlighted the role of local tourism communities, including porters, guides, small businesses, and other local tourism actors.

Their involvement is expected not only to restore conditions after the eruption but also to enhance community capacity in managing tourism sustainably.

According to Zita, the recovery framework views disasters not only as threats but also as opportunities to improve tourism governance to make it safer and more sustainable.

She said the President’s attention to social and cultural aspects demonstrates that Semeru’s recovery aims to balance physical rehabilitation, environmental protection, and local wisdom.

Zita said that a sustainable recovery of the Semeru tourism area will strengthen Indonesia’s international image while providing a greater sense of security for visitors and local residents.

“Effective coordination among the central government, regional authorities, and tourism communities is key to ensuring that recovery proceeds smoothly, harmoniously, and in line with principles of environmental and cultural preservation,” she said.

With this approach, she hopes Mount Semeru will remain an attractive, safe, and sustainable destination, allowing each visitor to contribute to the socio-economic recovery of communities living on its slopes.