Gn. Muria

Kudus – Mount Muria has long been recognized as a destination for nature tourism and religious pilgrimages. Its hiking trails, mountain-fed rivers, and cool climate draw a steady stream of visitors each year.

However, the significance of Mount Muria extends far beyond tourism. Spanning across Kudus, Pati, and Jepara regencies, the area serves as a critical life-support system for local communities. The forest maintains water security, its agricultural land sustains livelihoods, and the ecosystem provides a vital habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Despite these benefits, Muria faces mounting challenges. The Muria Conservation Activists (PEKA) have reported that approximately 9,000 hectares of forest have been degraded by illegal logging. Ongoing restoration efforts are underway, including spring rehabilitation, reforestation, wildlife protection initiatives, and community education to ensure sustainable land use that remains compatible with conservation goals.

Muria Sustains Local Lives

For the people living on the slopes of Mount Muria, the forest is far more than just a landscape. It provides essential water and supports agriculture while serving as an economic driver through the tourism sector.

Teguh Jumadi Yanto, chief of the Ternadi Forest Management Resort, part of the Muria Pati Ayam unit under the Pati Forest Management District, emphasized that forest utilization must be balanced with conservation efforts to ensure lasting benefits for the community.

“The role of the mountain forest area is generally channeled toward tourism and agriculture; both sectors benefit from the land, which in turn incentivizes efforts to improve the local economy while simultaneously preserving the forest.”

Teguh stated that maintaining a balance between tourism, agriculture, and conservation is the key to ensuring both the ecological function and the economic utility of the Muria region endure.

He added that the management of the forest area requires collaboration among officials, local residents, tourism operators, and visitors alike.

“It is impossible for officials alone to protect such a vast forest area. Therefore, forest preservation must be a multi-stakeholder effort. The extreme terrain, steep valleys, volatile weather, and tourism activities mean that everyone has a role to play in safeguarding the integrity of the forest.”

According to Teguh, tourism and conservation should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. Both can coexist provided that the utilization of the region is conducted responsibly.

“Tourism and conservation must support each other. If we want to utilize forest areas for tourism, we must also participate in their preservation, for example, by planting trees and coordinating with area managers.”

Rahtawu Preserves Nature and Tradition

Rahtawu Village serves as a face of Mount Muria that highlights the deep connection between nature and local life. Beyond its reputation as a nature tourism destination, the village continues to uphold traditions, history, and cultural values passed down through generations.

Acting Village Head of Rahtawu, Ibnu Hajar, stated that the community views Muria as an integral part of their village identity that must be protected.

“The meaning of Muria to the community lies in preserving the local environment, customs, diversity, and beliefs, such as the shrines of Sunan Kudus and Sunan Muria, as well as the 'Puncak 29' peak, which holds significant spiritual value.”

This awareness is also reflected in local agricultural practices. Many residents have shifted from secondary crops to coffee, as it is considered more effective in maintaining soil stability in landslide-prone areas.

According to Ibnu, this transition also helps stabilize the soil in areas susceptible to landslides.

“The preserved tradition helps keep the living environment green and sustainable, as the area remains prone to landslides. We have switched from secondary crops to coffee, which helps anchor the soil and regulate air temperatures.”

Nature Tourism Drives Local Economy

The growth of tourism in Rahtawu has generated economic activity involving many residents. Individuals ranging from tour operators and culinary business owners to coffee farmers and local livestock breeders are benefiting from the rise in visitor numbers.

Ibnu explained that this potential has developed alongside the village's natural tourism appeal.

“The expansion of nature tourism benefits the community, with residents increasingly engaged in coffee cultivation. Our focus here is on nature, water, culinary offerings, and livestock such as Muscovy ducks, which have become a local specialty. These contribute to the economy, including through food preparation, thereby stimulating the local economic cycle.”

Meanwhile, traditions such as 'sedekah bumi' (earth offerings), tayub performances, and 'suronan' rites remain intact as essential parts of community life. For the residents of Rahtawu, cultural preservation goes hand-in-hand with safeguarding the natural environment.

The Muria Ecosystem Holds Unique Characteristics

Chairman of the Muria Conservation Activists (PEKA), Teguh Budi Wiyono, explained that Mount Muria possesses distinct ecological traits compared to other mountainous regions.

According to Wiyono, the geological history of Mount Muria has shaped a biodiversity that remains observable today, including wildlife inhabiting the protected forest area.

“Uniquely, there are still two villages that existed before Mount Muria erupted. The current natural landscape suggests it was once separated by the Muria Strait. On the slopes, you can still find the Muria leopard and other wildlife. With 32 percent of its protected forest still relatively intact, the area remains a viable habitat for protected species.”

The existence of protected forest areas remains a critical factor in supporting local flora and fauna.

Wiyono also highlighted urgent environmental concerns, including forest degradation caused by uncontrolled farming practices, landslide risks, and the exploitation of natural spring water.

“Environmental threats include forest damage from unregulated coffee cultivation, the risk of landslides in villages bordering the Muria forest, and the extraction of water from natural springs.”

Visitors Urged to Respect Nature

Increasing tourism activity places greater responsibility on visitors. Teguh Budi emphasized that both tourists and Muria Trail Run participants must stay on designated paths and avoid damaging existing vegetation.

Teguh Budi Wiyono reminded visitors and event participants on Mount Muria to adhere to established trails and follow official guidance. Beyond safety regarding the terrain, these measures are essential to minimize the risk of human-wildlife encounters within the forest area.

"Visitors and participants traveling from outside Kudus should follow posted guidelines and remain vigilant. Wildlife is still present in this area. Furthermore, please refrain from damaging any vegetation, as some may be endemic flora of Muria. There are approximately 50 plant species here, some of which are estimated to be over 100 years old."

He also emphasized that coffee cultivation is permissible, provided it does not alter the forest's function or degrade the environment.

"There is nothing wrong with the community wanting to grow coffee. The issue arises only if the planting process damages the land or the forest area. Coffee farming is allowed as long as it does not destroy the forest. The priority must be preserving water sources and maintaining the integrity of the forest ecosystem."

The vast expanse of Mount Muria means that conservation efforts cannot rely solely on forestry officials. Steep terrain, volatile weather conditions, and limited personnel necessitate the active involvement of multiple stakeholders.

Muria Serves as a Vital Water Catchment for Three Regencies

Beyond its natural beauty, Mount Muria plays a critical ecological role. Dr. Mochamad Widjanarko, a social psychology expert from Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK), explained that the importance of Muria extends far beyond its status as a tourist destination.

According to him, Muria serves as a vital water catchment area that sustains the needs of three regencies.

"The Muria ecosystem is unique; it was once an island separated from Java. The Muria region is of paramount importance as it acts as a sponge or water catchment zone for three regencies: Kudus, Pati, and Jepara."

According to Widjanarko, safeguarding the Muria region requires multi-stakeholder cooperation, involving local communities, the state forestry company Perhutani, village and regional governments, and environmental organizations.

“Conservation efforts succeed through collaboration between stakeholders, including communities in villages along the edge of the Muria forest, Perhutani KPH Pati, municipal governments across the three regions, and environmental groups dedicated to Muria.”

Sports Tourism Promotes Muria Preservation

This collaboration is underscored by the Muria Trail Run. The event serves not only as a cross-country race but also as a platform to highlight the importance of preserving the Mount Muria area as part of sustainable sports tourism.

Throughout the course, participants are given a firsthand view of how the forest, natural springs, agricultural land, and local community life are intrinsically linked within the landscape.

For the runners, the experience extends beyond tackling challenging ascents and descents. They witness how the trail traverses vital spaces—supporting local livelihoods, harboring diverse flora and fauna, and serving as a critical water source for thousands of residents.

Additionally, the Muria Trail Run serves as an economic driver for the local community. The influx of participants creates opportunities for tourism operators, homestay providers, restaurants, transport services, and small businesses selling regional specialties.

The 2026 Muria Trail Run, scheduled for August 1-2 in Rahtawu Village, Gebog District, features 8K, 15K, 30K, and 45K race categories. Beyond the competitive challenge, organizers hope participants leave with a deeper appreciation for the need to collectively preserve the natural environment they traversed. (JMY/mainkekudus)