Indonesia Emphasizes its New Sustainable Recovery Plan in Mount Semeru, Integrating Environmental Preservation, Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development

Published on November 23, 2025

Tourist development after the eruption of Mount Semeru, according to the Presidential Special Envoy for Tourism Zita Anjani, needs to strike a balance between environmental conservation and the protection of cultural heritage. This approach aims at responding to calls for a more sustainable model of tourism that allows the natural beauty of the area and the local cultural practices of communities on Semeru’s slopes to be safeguarded.

This emphasis on sustainability and the preservation of culture contributes directly to tourism development since the specific attractions of the area, which include trekking routes, traditions, and environmental knowledge, make the site particularly attractive to international and domestic visitors. Integrating these aspects into the recovery framework allows Mount Semeru to attract ecological tourists who are interested in places sensitive to the concerns of both nature and culture.

The Role of Tourism in Post-Eruption Recovery

While the recovery of Mount Semeru is undoubtedly a physical challenge, it also presents a unique opportunity to rethink how the region manages its tourism resources. Zita Anjani suggests that the recovery should not only focus on rebuilding infrastructure but also on strengthening the area’s carrying capacity—the ability to handle increased visitor numbers without damaging its ecosystems or cultural identity. This involves improving access routes, evacuation paths, and visitor safety measures.

In the long term, this sustainable recovery will enhance the tourism sector in Lumajang and surrounding areas, generating job opportunities and supporting local businesses, from guides and porters to small-scale accommodation providers. As a key player in the country’s tourism economy, Semeru’s recovery could help bolster Indonesia’s tourism GDP.

Supporting Local Communities Through Sustainable Tourism Practices

A vital part of the recovery process is involving local tourism communities—including porters, guides, and small businesses—in the rebuilding efforts. Their engagement in the recovery process will not only help restore tourist conditions after the eruption but will also enhance local capacity for managing tourism in a sustainable way.

Zita Anjani emphasized the importance of building a resilient local tourism ecosystem. This will enable communities to manage tourism effectively, ensuring that small and medium-sized businesses benefit from the influx of visitors, while maintaining the area’s cultural integrity. Local wisdom, such as traditional ecological practices and sustainable farming, should be integrated into tourism development strategies to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of the region’s cultural identity or natural resources.

By empowering local communities, tourism can serve as a tool for socio-economic recovery, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable tourism model.

Rebuilding Semeru as an Eco-Tourism Destination

With the mountain’s natural landscape severely impacted by the eruption, the restoration efforts must include plans to promote eco-tourism. Anjani emphasized that environmental conservation should be integrated into every stage of the recovery process, particularly in disaster-prone areas and buffer zones. The focus will be on reforesting hiking trails, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring that tourism activities are conducted responsibly, without negatively affecting the environment.

This approach not only safeguards the area’s ecological integrity but also increases its attractiveness to eco-tourists—a growing market segment. Eco-tourism, by its nature, supports the preservation of the environment and ensures that tourism revenues directly contribute to environmental protection efforts. Semeru’s recovery provides a chance to turn the region into a model eco-tourism destination, helping Indonesia establish itself as a leader in sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia.

Tourism as a Catalyst for Regional and National Economic Growth

The recovery of Mount Semeru is not just about rebuilding a tourist destination—it is a crucial part of Indonesia’s broader tourism recovery strategy. As the tourism sector is one of the country’s key economic drivers, focusing on sustainable recovery in Semeru will provide significant benefits for both local economies and the national economy.

Tourism is expected to play an essential role in restoring regional economic stability by driving the local tourism industry and creating jobs in related sectors such as transportation, hospitality, and food production. Moreover, with Mount Semeru being an internationally recognized natural wonder, it has the potential to attract international tourists, particularly those from eco-tourism markets in Europe and Asia, bolstering Indonesia’s tourism industry on the global stage.

The economic benefits will extend to infrastructure improvements, which can enhance visitor safety, support small businesses, and attract further private investment to the region. This aligns with Indonesia’s vision to develop a sustainable tourism industry that promotes economic diversification and cultural exchange.

Strengthening International Relations Through Sustainable Tourism

As part of the post-eruption recovery efforts, Indonesia’s tourism authorities are working to strengthen international tourism relations and attract visitors from global markets. Zita Anjani emphasized that tourism recovery efforts are not just about restoring the tourism infrastructure but also about creating opportunities for cultural exchange and international collaboration. By positioning Mount Semeru as a sustainable tourism destination, Indonesia is aligning its tourism strategy with global sustainable tourism practices, helping the country build stronger ties with international tourism markets.

The recovery and sustainable development of Semeru can also facilitate regional cooperation in eco-tourism and disaster recovery, potentially attracting international tourism investment and partnerships that further support the region’s long-term development. As tourism continues to be a major sector for Indonesia’s economic growth, strengthening these international relations can help boost the country’s global tourism standing.

Long-Term Vision: A Sustainable and Resilient Mount Semeru

In the long-term, Mount Semeru’s recovery can serve as a blueprint for post-disaster tourism recovery, balancing the needs of economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. The recovery process will aim to integrate community-based tourism, eco-tourism principles, and cultural tourism into a sustainable, long-term framework that ensures Mount Semeru remains a globally recognized, safe, and resilient tourism destination.

By carefully managing the region’s tourism resources, improving visitor safety, and engaging local communities in sustainable tourism practices, Indonesia can continue to develop its tourism sector while preserving the natural and cultural assets that make Semeru one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

Building a Stronger, More Resilient Tourism Future for Mount Semeru and Indonesia

Recovery from the eruption of Mount Semeru presents Indonesia with a unique opportunity to reshape its tourism sector in a manner that is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. The country can build a successful tourism economy that benefits locals, nationals, and international visitors by prioritizing environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community involvement.

Mount Semeru may serve during the recovery process as a model of sustainable tourism recovery-one that shows how tourism can act as a driver for the protection of the environment and economic resilience in the face of natural calamities. With further collaboration from local authorities, tourism stakeholders, and international partners, Semeru can stand out as a shining example of how tourism can help revitalize communities and protect the environment while contributing to long-term economic growth.