Restoring Terujak Hot Springs: New Hope for East Aceh's Nature and Wellness Tourism

Behind the lush forests and slopes of East Aceh's hills, Air Panas Terujak was once a space for respite for body and mind. Warm steam naturally flows from the earth's belly, making it a natural and health Tourism Destination. Now, post-disaster, the local government is striving to revive the pulse of this destination.

The East Aceh Regency Government is committed to restoring the Air Panas Terujak tourist attraction after the disaster due to its great potential as a natural and Health Tourism site in the local area. This commitment was conveyed amidst efforts to handle the impacts of the flash flood that had paralyzed the area.

The Head of the Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office (Disparpora) of East Aceh Regency, Syahril, acknowledged that the recovery process cannot be rushed. 

Aspects of safety and Disaster Mitigation are the primary concerns so that this tourist area can function again without repeating the same risks.

"We are striving for this tourist attraction to recover and be utilized by the community. However, it must certainly go through technical studies, especially regarding the geographical conditions and landslide potential in that area," he said.

The Hot Spring Bath tourist attraction in Gampong Terujak, Serbajadi District, East Aceh Regency, was severely damaged by a flash flood at the end of November 2025. 

This disaster rendered the area temporarily unusable for both the community and tourists.

"The Air Panas Terujak bath tourism attraction was damaged by the flood. The hot spring source pool was buried under flood material such as soil, wood, and rocks," he explained.

Air Panas Terujak is known as a natural hot spring emerging from hill slopes and forested areas. 

He said this natural characteristic makes Air Panas Terujak a Favorite Destination, especially for local residents and tourists from surrounding areas.

"Many people come to Air Panas Terujak for tourism. Visitors use the hot water to boil eggs because of its naturally high temperature," he clarified.

However, the flash flood and landslide at the end of November 2025 drastically altered the face of this tourist area. 

Landslide material from the hills buried the main bathing pool, while several supporting facilities were damaged by the force of water and mud.

Syahril added that the flood also impacted access to the tourist site, which is now difficult to pass, bringing all tourism activities to a complete halt.

"For now, that tourist area cannot be operated again. We are still assessing the level of damage and coordinating with related agencies for future handling steps," he concluded. (ANTARA)