Strategi Pengendalian Pendaki Ilegal di Taman Nasional Gunung Merapi

Abstract

Aktivitas pendakian ilegal di Taman Nasional Gunung Merapi meningkat sejak penutupan jalur resmi pada 2018 akibat perubahan pola rekreasi generasi muda dan pengaruh media sosial. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi karakteristik dan motivasi pendaki ilegal, menganalisis faktor internal dan eksternal pengendalian, serta merumuskan strategi pengelolaan. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, analisis dokumen, SWOT, dan skala Likert. Hasil menunjukkan pendaki ilegal didominasi usia 17–30 tahun dengan motivasi rasa penasaran, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), validasi media sosial, dan kepentingan ekonomi pemandu lokal. Pengendalian didukung koordinasi antarpemangku kepentingan, tetapi masih terkendala keterbatasan SDM, patroli malam, dan sanksi yang belum efektif. Strategi yang diusulkan adalah Buffer Experience Zone and Shadow Hiking Management berbasis adaptive recreation management melalui patroli adaptif, edukasi digital, penguatan regulasi, dan sanksi berbasis deterrence theory.

Illegal hiking in Mount Merapi National Park has increased since the closure of the official climbing route in 2018 due to changing recreational patterns among young people and the influence of social media. This study aims to identify the characteristics and motivations of illegal hikers, analyze the internal and external factors affecting control efforts, and formulate appropriate management strategies. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using in-depth interviews, field observations, document analysis, SWOT analysis, and a Likert scale. The findings indicate that illegal hikers are predominantly aged 17–30 years and are motivated by curiosity, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), social media validation, and the economic interests of local guides. Although control efforts are supported by effective stakeholder coordination, they remain constrained by limited human resources, inadequate night patrols, and ineffective sanctions. The proposed strategy is Buffer Experience Zone and Shadow Hiking Management based on adaptive recreation management, supported by adaptive patrols, digital education, strengthened regulations, and deterrence-based sanctions.