Discover the Beauty of Semeru: Indonesia’s Volcanic Icon Reopened for Eco-Friendly Tourism

Published on November 24, 2025

After Mount Semeru erupted, Indonesia is currently prioritising the sustainable re-establishment of tourism in the area. Special Presidential Envoy on Tourism, Zita Anjani, has stated how this time after the eruption is particularly interesting as it provides the chance to re-arrange and re-design the tourism zone to better accommodate eco-tourism in a way that preserves the culture of the area. Mount Semeru, the highest and most active volcano in Indonesia and is located in East Java, is a popular destination among eco-tourists and adventurers.

The eruption that occurred in 2021 has, beyond the damage to the area, also led to efforts on a nationwide scale to create a tourism model that is sustainable and provides, in addition to the revitalisation of the economy, the protection of both the natural and cultural assets of the area. The developed model of sustainable tourism is expected to ensure that tourism at Mount Semeru is not only profitable, but also protect the natural and cultural wealth in the region.

Mount Semeru: Eco-Tourism and Adventure

Semeru mountain has experienced repeated and eruptions, and still has the ability to attract hundreds and thousands of hikers, lovers of nature and extreme adventure to this day. Semeru has a breathtaking view and a myriad of challenges for climbers. Semeru is a mountain in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since this is a world heritage site, Semeru, and the adjoining areas of the park, have a rich and unique biodiversity with many endemic and endemic plant and animal species and also various birds.

Semeru is known to many as the mountain with a crater that provides trekkers and climbers a chance to view and appreciate the beauty of nature. Semeru trek is a popular hike in the of country of Indonesia, famous for its beautiful and vreat views, and also has its fair share of difficult portions of terrain. The view on Semeru is also unique, as they have volcanic ashes, and they also have a lot of unique, and exotic plants. Because of this, they attract many nature lovers to come and also earn the lay of a nature tourism hotspot.

Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Preservation

Indonesia has positively affected the challenges tourism posed with the explosion. Zita Anjani and the local administration proposed a new tourism model surrounding Mount Semeru that aims to let future visitors appreciate the astonishing landscape unhindered. This includes moderated entryways to the hiking trails, restriction of tourists to avoid overflow, and, greater focus on advanced environmental functionalities.

As a part of that, tourism constructs and accommodation are being redesigned to ease the burden on the environment and on the local communities. Eco-tourism practices, such as responsible waste control, water preservation, and the incorporation of green materials to build new infrastructure, are being prioritized.

Revitalising Local Economies through Community-Based Tourism

The impact of Mount Semeru’s tourism recovery has spill-over benefits to areas such as Lumajang and Malang and their economies that suffered during the eruption. These areas were heavily reliant on tourism for their economies as visitors buy accommodations, meals, and local crafts. The government’s aim to promote sustainable tourism is to demonstrate the potential of preserving the environment and at the same time, economically empowering local communities through the reopening of the tourism industry.

The government’s approach is to promote community participation in the development of tourism guiding, cultural presentations, and eco-tourism collaborations. This is to help develop a community sense of ownership and help in the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the site.

Cultural Preservation and Eco-Tourism

People of this region and Mount Semeru hold cultural traditions and practices close to their heart, especially the Tenggerese community, who have settled and lived in the area for centuries. Communities in this region have their own customs, and participate in various forms of traditional practices, and have a deep appreciation for the land. In the recovery plan, attempts to keep the Tenggerese cultural heritage and promote travel in the region are being implemented.

Apart from the preservation of the natural landscapes, the region also intends to protect and preserve the local customs and traditions. Supporting the cultural tourism industry, which allows visitors to witness first-hand the Tenggerese traditional dance, handicrafts, and rituals, will also be beneficial. Inclusion of these cultural elements in the eco-tourism plan will enable the government to provide a meaningful, culturally rich heritage experience for visitors.

Looking Ahead: Reopening Semeru to Eco-Tourism

In connection with sustainable tourism, the government has also been working on developing eco-friendly tourism for Semeru to ensure its tourism remains safe and sustainable. Some of the policies include:

Controlling the number of visitors to reduce possible impacts on the environment and infrastructure.

Providing trekkers and tourists with safety improvements like new signs on trails, guided tours, and emergency preparedness.

Programs to educate the community on the importance of the area’s ecosystems and promote responsible tourism.

These initiatives aim to ensure Mount Semeru will continue to be a leading location for eco-tourism and adventure travel with thoughtful restrictions on the balance of tourism development and protection of natural ecosystems, even during the recovery phase on some of the hiking trails and tourism sectors.

Conclusion:

Restoring the tourism potential of Mount Semeru after the major eruption demonstrates the balance of Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable tourism with community and environmental appreciation and benefits. A tourism focus on eco-tourism and the preservation of culture and community will work to develop a tourism model for the other parts of Indonesia and the global community. Mount Semeru’s sustainable tourism potential and its natural beauty will make the area a region for tourism development and a popular destination for years to come.