#PangalenganMemanggil

I am Qnosh, a person who was born and raised in Pangalengan. The place where the story of my life began, and where my love for the environment first grew.

Pangalengan is a sub-district located 40 kilometers from the city of Bandung, West Java Province, or 29 kilometers from the center of Bandung Regency, Soreang.

The natural beauty of Pangalengan has long been an attraction for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Towering mountains, vast green tea plantations, enchanting lakes, and tranquil rivers create a landscape that not only captivates the eye but also embraces the soul.

However, allow me to expand on this view. This is not just a story about me. This is a story about us. A community that has grown from diverse backgrounds and generations, united by one commonality: a deep love for the place we call home.

In recent years, we have witnessed dramatic changes here. Tourist destinations have sprung up as quickly as mushrooms in the rainy season. The surge in the number of tourists has brought undeniable consequences. The phenomenon of overtourism, increasingly disturbing crowds, severe traffic congestion, and excessive consumption of natural resources have become realities we must face.

Amidst all these changes, Nimo Highland has emerged as a symbol that is difficult for us to accept. It is tangible evidence of how tourism that is not environmentally friendly can transform the landscape and identity of an area.

Built on land owned by PT. Perkebunan Nusantara VIII, covering an area of approximately 25 hectares. Lifeless concrete has replaced the historical remnants of what was once a hill called "Gunung Nini," which during the Dutch colonial period was used as a Tea Plantation Observation Tower by Karel Albert Rudolf Bosscha. Its location is near the historical site of K.A.R. Bosscha's tomb.

We are deeply concerned that the impact of uncontrolled tourism growth in Pangalengan is not limited to physical changes. Our cultural identity, history, and local traditions are also at risk. The pressure to adapt to the habits of tourists often erases the unique characteristics and essence that make Pangalengan special.

The threat to biodiversity is also growing more serious, especially due to the many tourist spots located near nature reserves and natural ecosystems.

But let us understand that this is not about blame; it's about taking collective action. We are not against tourism, but we need strict regulations to control its growth.

We want to ensure that tourism growth in Pangalengan proceeds wisely and responsibly. We want to preserve the authenticity of traditional architecture and promote sustainable tourism development that considers environmental impact, adapts to the characteristics of the local environment, and preserves ecosystem integrity.

We hope there will be no more projects similar to Nimo Highland that can alter the natural characteristics of Pangalengan in the future. We also advocate for a reevaluation and changes in the management of Nimo Highland, so that it can positively contribute to environmental conservation efforts and the local identity, becoming a more sustainable tourism destination that respects Pangalengan's cultural and ecological values.

We believe that with stringent regulations and the right actions, Pangalengan can become a sustainable tourist destination that preserves its natural beauty, protects its cultural identity, and provides sustainable economic benefits to its community.

#PangalenganMemanggil, and it's time for us to answer this call with actions and a commitment to care for, protect, and preserve it. Let's join hands and safeguard Pangalengan together because our actions today will shape the sustainable future of Pangalengan.

You can support the #PangalenganMemanggil campaign by:

• Signing the petition at www.change.org/PangalenganMemanggil
• Sharing information about the campaign on social media

#sustainabletourism #tourism #environmental #conservation #ecotourism