Tourism Ministry is Expected to Develop Kerinci Climbing New Route

Padang Aro, (Antara Sumbar) - The new route of climbing Mount Kerinci through Bangun Rejo, South Solok District, West Sumatera, is expected to be included in 10 mountain climbs developed specifically by the Ministry of Tourism.

"The commitment of the regent of South Solok and Tourism Ministry at the beginning is related to if the climbing route Mount Kerinci through South Solok has been approved, it will be developed specifically by Ministry of Tourism," West Sumatra tourism observer Yulnofrins Napilus stated while being contacted on Tuesday.

Mountain climbing altitude 3,805 meters above sea level through South Solok has been rezonized by Ministry of Environment and Forestry which previously was a core zone or jungle of Kerinci Seblat National Park has been converted into a zone of utilization for tourism.

Post-establishment, TNKS together with nature-lovers group, tourism awareness group (pokdarwis) and South Solok district government re-did the cleaning of the lane and added the previously installed pointer.

Nofrins said Kerinci climbing track through South Solok is different from other climbing, besides passing the original forest which is in the core zone or jungle, climbers also have to take care of permission to enter conservation area (Simaksi).

"Climbers also should not be removed alone, each group of 5-6 people must be accompanied by a guide because it will cross the TNKS jungle zone," he said.

"Entering the jungle zone of TNKS is actually not allowed, but this is for tourism then the law allows it," he added.

Ratification of Mount Kerinci climbing path through the waste zone, call it a heavy burden for South Solok because it must be able to safeguard TNKS forest, environment and cleanliness.

Regardless of the burden, he said the presence of mountain climbing lane that is in the ranks of Bukit Barisan is going to grow the economy of the area.

"Lodging, creative economy, and trade will grow," he said.

For that, the government and the local community must begin to prepare to welcome tourists who will try out the new climbing route.

"This issue is not local or national, but also international, as this mountain climbing has a huge viral effect," he added. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika