KBRN, Jakarta: In a collaborative effort, Mount Bawakaraeng's popular hiking trail has undergone a major transformation to become more comfortable and eco-friendly. The trail, located in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, now features a new prayer room, toilets, and a trash bank, thanks to a partnership between local administration, community, and environmental groups.

"Climbing Bawakaraeng now feels more comfortable," said Ahmad, a climber from Makassar, who directly experienced the benefits of the new prayer room and toilets along the trail.

The new facilities were unveiled in 2025 during an event that also included a mountain-wide cleanup effort.

"We climbers no longer have difficulty finding a proper place to pray or decent restroom facilities. These new facilities are very helpful, especially during the long journey to the summit," he added as reported by kemenlh.go.id.

Nurhayati, a vendor near the Basecamp, also shared her impression. "With the trash bank and mountain cleanup efforts, the atmosphere is more orderly and clean".

She noted that climbers are becoming more aware about not littering, which has also made her food stall a more comfortable place to visit and helped maintain the surrounding environment.

According to Azri Rasul, Head of the Center for Environmental Control for Sulawesi and Maluku, these facilities are expected to not only increase climber comfort but also help maintain the cleanliness and environmental sustainability of Mount Bawakaraeng.

"We want these facilities to be not only beneficial for climbers but also for the local community who are helping to maintain the mountain's cleanliness and beauty," Azri Rasul said.

This significant change was inspired by Minister of Environment and Head of Enviromental Agency, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq's concern after a recent hike on Mount Bawakaraeng. During his trip, he directly witnessed the large amount of trash scattered along the trail and the lack of basic facilities like prayer rooms and toilets.

This observation sparked the idea to transform Mount Bawakaraeng into a clean, healthy, and comfortable destination for all visitors, not just a place for outdoor recreation.

He responded quickly, implementing various initiatives to clean up the hiking trails and provide the necessary facilities for climbers. A prayer room and toilets were established as essential amenities for the long journey to the summit, while a trash bank was introduced to manage waste, which had become a significant issue in the area.

Prior to the official opening, the Environmental Control Agency for Sulawesi and Maluku team educated the local community on the importance of cleanliness and proper waste management by distributing passbooks, registration books, and hanging scales to ensure the trash bank could be managed independently.

Gowa Deputy Regent, Darmawangsyah Muin expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts. "The cleanliness of Mount Bawakaraeng's trails is now more controlled. This is thanks to the initiative of the Minister of Environment," he said.

He expressed hope that all parties, especially the local community, would continue to care for and maintain these facilities to ensure their sustainability. Darmawangsyah also announced that the local government would appoint a special manager to oversee the facilities and the trash bank, ensuring the cleanliness and preservation of the mountain are maintained.

Mount Bawakaraeng is now recognized not only for its natural beauty but also as a successful model of how collaboration can bring about positive change that directly benefits both the community and climbers. The climbing experience has become more meaningful and enjoyable, as it now also includes a focus on environmental stewardship. ***