Trekking tourism in the ancient Bengawan Solo valley based on ecological preservation and safety risk management

The Ancient Bengawan Solo Valley (Lembah Bengawan Solo Purba/LBSP), located in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, has the potential to be developed for nature tourism. With its beautiful landscapes, unspoiled karst caves, and diverse culinary and cultural arts, the valley is becoming an increasingly popular destination for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts. However, to ensure a memorable and safe experience for visitors, and to maintain the sustainability of tourism activities, careful planning is essential. In this article, we explore the importance of safety risk assessment in the process of planning trekking routes for the Bengawan Solo Ancient Valley tour. Qualitative descriptive method is used in the discussion and analysis. The development of the Bengawan Solo Ancient Valley tourism trekking route needs to apply Safety Risk which is in line with the concept of environmental preservation


Introduction
Trekking is undoubtedly a phenomenon of the turn of the XX and XXI century.More and more people are looking for new destinations, seeking contact with nature in many extreme situations which at the same time allow checking themselves [1].Trekkers already on a highaltitude trek were generally inexperienced in mountaineering and were not fully aware of the risks of their tour, including the management of mountain emergencies [2].
Risk management is a key factor for the best process of sport management since it can predict and even avoid unpleasant situations, like accidents, injuries or even losses .Its objectives should be first to identify any possible hazard or risk that someone could face during a sport and recreational activity and then to assess the possibilities these risks have for materialising.It is essential that managers will provide solutions and alternatives, aiming at decreasing or even eliminating the risks [3].
The Ancient Bengawan Solo Valley (Lembah Bengawan Solo Purba/LBSP) located in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.LBSP is part of the Gunung Sewu Global Geopark Natural Heritage which has been recognized by UNESCO with its designation as a Global Geopark Natural Heritage.In 2015 UNESCO has acknowledged Gunung Sewu as one of UNESCO Global Geoparks [4] for its geological formation which is considered to have universal value [5].The UNESCO recognition is usually considered beneficial for tourism [6] and UNESCO in its website encourages the use of the objects in its World Heritage List for economic development of the local community.
The recognition is a significant capital for tourism development.This global geopark is still underdeveloped in Wonogiri area.Its location which is part of Gunung Sewu karst formation has made Wonogiri relatively sterile [7] unlike other parts of Central Java which is generally fertile and very good for agrarian activities.However, the karst formation of Gunung Sewu have potential benefit.LBSP has the potential to be developed as a nature tourism, specifically Trekking Tourism.With its beautiful landscapes, unspoiled karst caves, and diverse culinary and cultural arts, the valley is becoming an increasingly popular destination for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts.However, to ensure a memorable and safe experience for visitors, and to maintain the sustainability of ecological and tourism activities, then we need to explore the importance of ecological preservation and safety risk assessment in the planning of LBSP trekking tourism routes.

Methods
To plan Trekking Tourism development based on ecological preservation and safety risk assessment in LBSP Pracimantoro, we took several steps as follows: 1. Mapping the paths that can be used for trekking tourism activities at LBSP. 2. Analysing the boundaries of the core conservation zone, buffer zone and development zone (supporting zone) 3. Analysing and determine the type of trekking tourism activity based on the distance and the physical characteristics of the track at LBSP. 4. Safety risk analysis based on the availability and affordability of health facilities and infrastructure 5. Create a trekking model at LBSP based on the ecological preservation of the karst area and the level of safety risk.Qualitative descriptive method is used in the discussion and analysis.The tourist route at LBSP is approximately 7 km long, with 2 types of roads.The double track road located on the edge of the valley is 4.5 km long and the single track road located inside the valley is 2.5 km long.The double track road is a concrete road approximately 4 meters wide, with two concrete lanes partly in damaged condition.This road is generally used by local residents, including farmers, livestock breeders, motorbikes and cars/trucks.This road can only be passed by one four-wheeled vehicle, so if another vehicle comes from the opposite direction, road circulation will be hampered or even stop completely.

Results and Finding
The second type of road is a footpath which is often used as an off-road mountain bike track.The path is rocky and often crosses through farmers' fields.Although on the one hand the condition of this road is an obstacle to access for residents, on the other hand it has the potential to become a special tourist attraction.
The trekking route at LBSP passes along the edge and part of the valley which is a karst conservation area.For this reason, efforts are needed to ensure that trekking and other outdoor tourism activities do not have the potential to damage the LBSP ecology

Determine The Type of Tourism Activity
Based on the ecological preservation aspects that must be considered in developing tourism at LBSP, outdoor tourism activities that can be developed at LBSP include trekking, trail running and mountain biking.Trekking, trail running, and mountain biking are three outdoor tourist activities often carried out in mountainous or natural areas that offer beautiful scenery.Although all three involve physical movement in the outdoors, there are significant differences in approach, goals, and the experiences they offer.
Trekking is a hiking activity typically done with the goal of exploring nature and the natural environment.Usually, trekking is done with a light to moderate load, and participants carry equipment such as backpacks, maps, compasses, and food supplies.The primary goal of trekking is to enjoy nature, interact closely with the environment, and often reach specific destinations such as mountain peaks, lakes, or scenic valleys.Trekking emphasizes a leisurely experience and nature observation rather than competition or speed.
Trail running involves running or jogging on rugged trails, such as in mountains, forests, or uneven terrain.It is a more intense activity compared to trekking, with participants aiming to achieve a certain speed while navigating challenging terrain like rocks, tree roots, and steep slopes.Trail running often has a competitive element in the form of races, but many also do it as a recreational and fitness activity.The primary goal of trail running combines physical fitness, exploring nature, and an adrenaline-filled experience.
Mountain biking is the activity of cycling on rough and natural terrain, such as trails, mountain paths, forests, or deserts.Mountain bikes are typically designed with thicker tires and strong suspensions to handle difficult terrain.Mountain biking can be done for fun, recreational cycling, or to reach places that are more challenging to access by walking or other vehicles.Some people also engage in mountain biking races that involve competing for time or speed on challenging natural trails.
While all three activities involve outdoor and mountainous environments, they have different focuses, intensities, and goals.Choosing between trekking, trail running, or mountain biking will depend on personal preferences, physical fitness levels, and the tourism goals.
Based on interviews with trekking guides at LBSP, what the most suitable outdoor tourism acitivity for LBSB can be explained as follows.
Currently, travel tourism activities at LBSP only consist of cycling and trekking, but it is still possible to add trail running activities (cross-country running), as well as travel by motorized vehicle.Each activity has its own risks that cannot be underestimated.However, if we look at the type of activity, trekking is considered the safest and has the least risk, followed by trail running and cycling.Traveling with special dual track motorized vehicles is also safe, but the route is circuitous, and does not pass through the entire BSP valley.For single track routes, touring with 2 and 4 wheeled motorized vehicles can be categorized as an off road activity which has the potential to damage land conditions.

Safety Risk Management
The trekking and mountain bike (Gowes) events at LBSP are starting to get attention from the wider community.Trekking has been held 2 times, while Gowes has been held 5 times.Trekking and cycling activities require special planning and preparation, especially to anticipate emergency conditions.An explanation of safety risk management in trekking and mountain biking activities at LBSP can be explained from the interview results as follows.
Especially for cycling activities, the route has been determined, but there are still choices for participants.There are fun tracks (safe track) and extreme trails (off-road tracks).The incline route is directed towards the avocado orchard route, a new tourist spot which is hoped to become one of the favorite places in LBSP.Its position at the top of the hill has a very good view of the valley.Before the event is held, the committee conducts a track test first, then the agreed track is marked with tape and signs.The purpose of the track test is to calculate the distance traveled, so that the estimated overall activity time can be simulated.
Usually cycling starts from the Karst Museum, then enters Sumber Pracimantoro village, heads to Sambiroto (Pos 1 Rest Area Sambiroto) and enters Suci Village (Batik center).From Suci Village then head to Sumur Village, enter the Avocado Garden Spot route to see the view from the top of the hill.Participants then started to enter the LBSP valley towards Bakalan Village and Tileng Village (Pos 2 Rest Area).Then participants started to enter the single track route which is an off-road route along the BSP valley.After taking the extreme route, participants arrived at Bak Agung village (Pos Bayangan), then entered Mendak village (Pos 3 Finish).In Mendak Village, all participants were treated to a variety of local food and drinks.
The event continued at Krempyeng Market (near Mendak Village) with entertainment activities, distribution of souvenirs, gifts and door prizes.Krempyeng Market is used as a place to display and sell various cultivated products and local culinary delights.
Dealing with emergency conditions in LBSP trekking and bicycling events, especially for Gowes, the Committee need to collaborates with health service offices (RSUD and nearest Community Health Centers), as well as private hospitals.The assistance provided is evacuation equipment (ambulance) and a medical team.Medical teams are deployed at several accident-prone points.Accident-prone points are usually at crowded points, areas of extreme ascents or descents, rocky areas, slopes and narrow paths.The medical team prepares trail motorbikes and drag bars for evacuation to the nearest ambulance or medical post.The medical team is assisted by volunteers who serve as marshals.The medical aspect is the main element in planning a cycling event.From Forkompicab and Forkompida there are around 70 volunteers.Around 40 to 50 people serve as marshals while the others are medical and security teams (assisted by personnel from the Pracimantoro Sector Police and Koramil) Offroad track in LBSP is approximately 2 km.The medical team is stationed at the entry, midpoint and end points of this track.Communication is done both by cell phone and Handy Talky.Who is closer to the scene of the emergency, will be asked to handle the problem.The main medical equipment provided is oxygen and first aid medicine, treatment will be followed up according to the seriousness of the accident.Is it enough to be handled onsite or need to be taken to a more complete medical facility by ambulance.So far, not many serious accidents have occurred.
In addition to medical emergencies, the committee also anticipates emergencies in technical terms of bicycle damage.Marshals play an important role in this, because they are more familiar with technical handling in the field.Workshop tools are prepared for bicycle repair (locks, pumps, spare tires, chains, brakes and other spare parts.Marshals are assigned at several points (P1, P2, P3 and so on).There are about 40 to 50 active members of the Goweser Praci community, some of whom are responsible dealing with repair engineering (technician).
Organizing the event still needs the support of many parties.Assistance from the government is not sufficient, so it needs the participation of other parties.Another important aspect is coordination.The committee coordinates with the district government down to the village level to obtain permits for activities, use of facilities and provision of accommodation.Everyone participates according to their capacity.
Some routes pass through rice fields/community gardens.Therefore, the committee first informed the village head about the trekking/bike riding route.If damage occurs to community crops, compensation will be given to the garden/field owner.The Gowes event, which aims to introduce tourism at LBSP, should not disturb and harm the community.Local residents are expected to take advantage of the opportunities associated with each event.People are expected to be able to have independent businesses, not just depend on the government to develop their region.The community is expected to be able to take advantage of every development in organizing tourism events to increase their level of welfare.So the empowerment aspect becomes the main goal.
To ensure a memorable and safe experience for visitors, and to maintain the sustainability of tourism activities, the organizing committee (private sector) need to make coordination and collaboration with the Goverment (head office, health office, police and military office) inline with their regulation, as well as opening up opportunities for community participation.
The model for developing trekking tourism at LBSP consists of 3 supporting pillars as follows: 1. Local communities are parties who are encouraged to develop innovations related to tourism activity services and their development.Local communities need to be supported in empowerment efforts; 2. The government is a party that is expected to play a role in providing support in the form of programs and regulations; 3. The private sector is a party that plays an important role in building collaboration between government, society and entrepreneurs in a mutually beneficial partnership The relationship between the three components (Community, Government and Private Sector) in the Trekking Tourism activity development program at LBSP with emphasis on ecological preservation and Safety Risk Management can be seen in the following picture.

3. 1 .Figure 1 .
Figure 1.The Potential Route for Outdoor Tourist Activity at LBSP Source: field observation, 2023 The tourist route at LBSP is approximately 7 km long, with 2 types of roads.The double track road located on the edge of the valley is 4.5 km long and the single track road located inside the valley is 2.5 km long.The double track road is a concrete road approximately 4 meters wide, with two concrete lanes partly in damaged condition.This road is generally used by local residents, including farmers, livestock breeders, motorbikes and cars/trucks.This road can only be passed by one four-wheeled vehicle, so if

Figure 2 .Figure 3 .
Figure 2. Two Type of Road at LBSP: Concrete Road and Rocky Footpath Road source: field observation, 2023

Figure 5 .
Figure 5. Types of Outdoor Tourism Activities on The LBSP Source: Analysis, 2023

Figure 6 .
Figure 6.The Model for Developing Trekking Tourism at LBSP Source: Author, 2023 4. Conclusions The development of the LBSP tourism trekking route needs to apply environmental preservation which is in line with the Safety Risk Management.Ecological conservation is carried out by limiting the type of vehicle, variety of activities and physical development.Safety Risk Management is carried out by creating route segmentation and planned route variations (fun or extreme routes) as well as anticipating medical and technical problems during the event