"A special interest tour or lava tour using tourist jeeps on the slope of Merapi is mostly chosen by tourists in Kaliurang and Kaliadem areas," General Chairperson of the Association of Merapi Slope Tourism Jeep (AJWLM) Daldiri said in Kaliurang on Monday.
Currently, the association has prepared a fleet of one thousand tourist jeeps to serve tourists on the slopes of Merapi.
"We are sure that during the 2022 Christmas and 2023 New Year holidays, more tourists will be visiting the slope of Merapi, including in Kaliurang, Kaliadem, and surrounding areas," he said.
At present, as COVID-19 transmission has slowed, the atmosphere has become more relaxed, and hence, people have become eager to travel, which is good for tourism, he added.
AJWLM has deployed the tourist jeeps at 29 base camps: 16 base camps in Kaliurang and 13 in Kaliadem, Daldiri informed.
The association has checked the roadworthiness of the jeeps with the help of the Sleman Transportation Office, and has held intensive courses for drivers to ensure tourist safety.
"We always appeal to drivers to always prioritize services to tourists by prioritizing safety aspects," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Tourism Destination Development and Creative Economy Division of the Sleman Tourism Office Wasita said that a lava tour using tourist jeeps on the slope of Merapi would be an unforgettable memory for tourists.
"Besides, of course, there are other destinations on the slope of Merapi that are no less interesting," he said.
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Translator: VS Pranyoto, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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