Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Mount Bawakaraeng, located in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, has undergone significant improvements that make trekking more comfortable and environmentally friendly.
The popular hiking trail, known for its stunning views, is now equipped with new facilities through a collaboration between the Sulawesi–Maluku Environmental Control Center (Pusdal LH SUMA) of the Ministry of Environment, local government, local communities, and nature lover groups.
The new facilities include a prayer room, toilets, and a waste bank, officially inaugurated during a ceremony that also featured a mountain clean-up activity.
“Trekking Bawakaraeng now feels much more convenient. As hikers, we no longer struggle to find proper prayer spaces or clean toilets. These new facilities are very helpful, especially during the long journey to the summit,” said Ahmad, a hiker from Makassar, as quoted in an official statement by the Ministry of Environment.
The initiative began after Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq personally hiked Mount Bawakaraeng some time ago. During his climb, the Minister witnessed firsthand the litter scattered along the trail and the lack of basic facilities such as prayer rooms and toilets.
From that experience came the idea to transform Mount Bawakaraeng not only into a natural tourism destination but also into a comfortable, clean, and healthy space for all visitors.
The Ministry responded quickly by launching a series of clean-up efforts along the trail and providing much-needed facilities. Prayer rooms and toilets now serve as essential stops during the long trek to the peak, while the waste bank offers a solution to the long-standing litter problem in the area.
Deputy Regent of Gowa, Darmawangsyah Muin, expressed strong appreciation for the initiative. “We hope that everyone, especially the local community, will continue to maintain and care for these facilities to ensure their sustainability,” he said.
The Head of the South Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) also emphasized that these facilities must be used responsibly by both trekkers and local residents.
With prayer rooms, toilets, and a waste bank in place, climbing Mount Bawakaraeng is no longer just a physical challenge to reach the summit—it is also a reminder of the responsibility to protect nature and preserve the environment for future generations.
Today, Mount Bawakaraeng is recognized not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also as a success story of how collaboration between government, communities, and civil society can bring about positive change that directly benefits both the environment and the people. (*)
