Tourist selection at Ijen Crater will be stricter

Selection of tourists to the Ijen crater is stricter. All visitors are advised to have personal accident insurance.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Seleksi Wisatawan di Kawah Ijen Bakal Lebih Ketat

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

Tourists visited the crater of Mount Ijen in Banyuwangi Regency on Tuesday morning (9/8/2016). Banyuwangi Regency, which is referred to as the Sunrise of Java, has several well-known tourist attractions of beaches and mountains, which are recognized internationally.

BANYUWANGI, KOMPAS - The selection of tourists who visit the Kawah Ijen Natural Park in Banyuwangi and Bondowoso Regencies, East Java, is claimed to be tighter this year. To prevent unwanted incidents, visitors are even advised to have personal accident insurance.

The Ijen Crater is the main tourist destination in Banyuwangi. Its attraction is the blue flame that can be seen on the top of the mountain crater, which is 2,386 meters above sea level. On a typical day, there are 100-200 visitors, but on holidays the number can reach up to 400 people per day.

However, during the period of January 3-6, 2024, this area will be closed by the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA). The closure is due to an evaluation and the implementation of new administrative regulations related to tourist safety. This closure is stated in BBKSDA Circular Letter Number SE.01/K2/BIDTEK.1/KSA/01/2024.

The Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Banyuwangi District, M Yanuarto Bramuda, said on Thursday (1/4/2024) that his team has coordinated with BBKSDA regarding the closure. The measure will only be implemented until January 6 with new provisions.

Also Read: Development Opportunities After Ijen Geopark Enters the Global Network

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

Miners are mining sulfur in the Ijen crater located on the border area between Bondowoso and Banyuwangi Districts, East Java on Saturday (6/7/2013). To obtain one kilogram of sulfur valued at IDR 780, the miners must pass through hazardous terrain and the risk of exposure to toxic gas emissions from the Ijen crater.

The new regulations include that tourists must be physically and mentally healthy. They do not have a history of heart disease and asthma, and are required to provide a doctor's health certificate. As tickets do not include insurance, all visitors are advised to have personal accident insurance.

In addition, if an accident occurs during the climb resulting in injury or death, it is the responsibility of the individual. All visitors are also required to prepare their own personal safety equipment.

The regulation, according to Bramuda, is applied in order to avoid potential danger for tourists. He gave an example, on December 30, 2023, a citizen of Jakarta died while hiking Mount Ijen. The cause was suspected to be a heart attack.

Up until now, climbers with a medical history have often been prohibited from climbing. However, they persist in forcing their way up, putting themselves at risk of undesired consequences.

Roaring Status

KOMPAS/ANGGER PUTRANTO

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Raung has stuck to the crops owned by residents of Sumberarum Village, Songgon Subdistrict, Banyuwangi on Tuesday (9/2/2021). Although it can fertilize the soil, the ash rain also damages some of the residents' agricultural crops.

Meanwhile, climbing to Mount Raung, located between Banyuwangi, Jember, and Bondowoso, is still restricted. This is because the status of Mount Raung has risen from Normal Active to Alert.

"The activities of tourists can still be carried out at the foot of the mountain, such as in the Telunjuk Raung area. Visitors can camp there," said Bramuda.

Observation Post Officer of Mount Raung in Sumberarum Village, Songgon District, Banyuwangi, Burhan Alethea, stated that the status of the 3,332 meter tall volcano has been raised as of December 19, 2023. "The community is advised not to approach the summit within a radius of 3 kilometers," he said.

Also Read: Status Increased So Be Wary Volcanic Activity of Mount Raung Still Fluctuating