The Batukau Mountain Peak Is Filled With Plastic Waste, Climbing Activities Temporarily Suspended
TABANAN – baliprawara.com
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, there are still people who do mountain climbing activities. One of them is climbing Mount Batukau which is located in Wongaya Gede Village, Penebel Sub-district. Unfortunately, the activities they do are not accompanied by efforts to preserve nature and protect the sacred area. It was proven when seeing the top of the mountain, which is filled with irresponsible climbers’ rubbish.
Angry with the findings, officials of Pekandelan Sad Kahyangan Jagat Bali Customary Village of Luhur Batukau Temple finally decided to temporarily stop the climbing activities. This decision was also strengthened by a circular from the local customary village.
Head of Wangaya Gede Customary Village and Chairman of the Batukau Temple I Ketut Sucipto when confirmed on Tuesday (June 30), confirmed the existence of a circular regarding the temporary suspension of climbing Mount Batukau. Not only that, it is time to be more selective to allow people visiting the Pucak Kedaton Temple. It was done because many climbers initially say they intend to pray, but in fact holding refreshing activities. “We stop climbing because of various considerations,” he explained.
Such considerations as a number of climbers do not have a sense of caring for the environment by littering. It has spent a lot of money to transport waste. During this time, so that the Batukau forest environment is free from rubbish, especially plastic waste, youth groups and organizations in Wongaya Gede Village, every week clean the garbage. “Because of the distance, the terrain is very heavy and it is impossible to keep picking up rubbish,” said Sucipto.
In addition, the path to the summit of Mount Batukau which is one of the paths named Bangkiang Jaran also almost broke. It is feared that if it is frequently crossed it will break up completely and the ceremonial activities to be performed at Pucak Kedaton Temple will be disrupted. “So, we will ensure the intention of prayers visiting the temple. For those who want to perform a ceremony to pay a promise (Sesangi) and ask for holy water (Tirta) to the Pucak Kedaton Temple, they will be permitted. If only the purpose of temporary prayer is not allowed,” he said.
Sucipto asserted that the cessation of climbing activities is not a form of selfishness, but rather considers preserving the environment. If the upstream is dirty, it will affect the people across Bali, not just Tabanan, considering that Batukaru Temple is the source of life for the people in the island. Sucipto emphasized that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many prayers climbed for praying. Per day can reach 50 people. (MBP5)
