“Let’s protect nature together because when we care for nature, it will care for us,”
Jambi City, Jambi (ANTARA) - Jambi Governor Al Haris has backed the central government’s decision to charge a Rp2 million (about $125) fee for flying drones near the peak of Mount Kerinci.

"If the Ministry of Forestry has set this, then there's a solid basis," Governor Al Haris said Saturday in Jambi, affirming his provincial government’s alignment with the policy.

He added that the fee was reasonable as long as it’s clearly regulated and serves a public interest.

“I believe it’s acceptable, especially if it helps meet important needs,” Haris said.

The Kerinci Seblat National Park Authority (BBTNKS), which manages the area, confirmed that the new drone rule is based on Government Regulation No. 36 of 2024 and Forestry Ministry Regulation No.12 of 2025.

Under the policy, anyone who wants to fly a drone on or near Mount Kerinci must pay the Rp2 million fee. Drones are only allowed within a three-kilometer radius of the summit, known as Puncak Indrapura.

The restriction was introduced following warnings from Indonesia’s Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency, which said that areas beyond that range are too dangerous due to volcanic activity.

As reported earlier, Mount Kerinci remains a popular destination for local adventurers.

During Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations, particularly ahead of August 17, for instance, many hikers join in the commemorations atop the 3,805-meter peak.

This year, 133 climbers marked Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day at the summit. “Because of strong winds, we only raised the flag and sang the national anthem,” said Haidir, head of BBTNKS.

He added that celebrating national pride in nature sends a powerful message about the importance of preserving Indonesia’s environment.

Haidir also called for collective efforts to protect Kerinci Seblat National Park, which stretches across the provinces of Jambi, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, and Bengkulu.

“Let’s protect nature together because when we care for nature, it will care for us,” he said.

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Translator: Agus S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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