Travelers have been prohibited from carrying wet wipes to Mount Prau, Central Java, since Nov. 12.

According to kompas.com, the Big Mountain Forum in Central Java under the auspices of the Forest Management Unit (KPH) in the North Kedu region has banned wet wipes based on the discovery that they were being left on the mountain by travelers. 

"We often find them scattered, presumably carried by the wind. Often they appear on the hiking track or on bushes near the track," said Mujib Syafii, officer at Mount Prau basecamp.

Although wet wipes are prohibited, the use of dry tissues is still allowed as they decompose easier. However, Mujib said he still urges hikers to carry out their trash.

Read also: 'Flushable' wet wipes cause 93% of UK sewer blockages

Every hiker will be briefed about the new rule at the base camp before embarking on a trip. All wet wipes are to be left at the base camp. "We will give the wipes back upon their return," Mujib said.

To enforce the rule, an officer at the mountain peak and camping area will also reprimand hikers who use wet wipes. Otherwise, the hiker's identity card are to be confiscated and the hikers would be taken to the base camp for follow-up action.

The rule also applies to other mountains in Central Java, including mounts Andong, Sindoro, Sumbing, Kembang, Telomoyo, Pakuwaja and Ungaran. (iru/wng)

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