Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has temporarily closed hiking activities in nine national parks and conservation areas because of increased risks of forest and land fires during the 2026 dry season.
The policy took effect on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following the issuance of Circular Letter Number
SE.4/KSDAE/SKSDAE/KSA.02.02/B/8/2026, dated August 31. The circular concerns the temporary closure and limited opening of mountain climbing tourism activities in Nature Reserve Areas (KSA) and Nature Conservation Areas (KPA) as part of efforts to prevent forest fires.
The ministry said hiking access would be determined according to the level of fire risk in each area rather than through a uniform national closure.
Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) at the Ministry of Forestry, said the status of each hiking area was based on comprehensive risk mapping.
“The extremely dry weather conditions during the dry season increase the accumulation of natural fuel along hiking trails, making human activity prone to sparking hotspots,” Satyawan said in a statement cited on Wednesday, September 2.
“Regulating this status whether allowing limited access or implementing a temporary closure reflects the government’s precautionary approach to preventing even the smallest potential fire while ensuring visitor safety,” he added.
Nine national parks temporarily closed
According to the ministry, temporary closures apply to areas assessed as having a high vulnerability to forest and land fires. The assessment considers factors including the area’s vulnerability, the accumulation of dry natural fuel, potential ecological consequences and the readiness of personnel to respond to incidents.
- Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: Hiking to Mount Semeru is temporarily closed.
- Mount Gede Pangrango National Park: All hiking activities are temporarily suspended as part of the fire prevention measures.
- Mount Leuser National Park: Hiking activities are temporarily closed due to the area’s high fire risk.
- Kerinci Seblat National Park: Hiking activities are temporarily suspended under the temporary closure policy.
- Mount Ciremai National Park: Mountain climbing activities are temporarily closed.
- Tambora National Park: Hiking activities are temporarily suspended because of the assessed fire risk.
- Manusela National Park: Mountain hiking activities are temporarily closed.
- Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park: Hiking activities are temporarily suspended under the new regulations.
- 9. Lorentz National Park: The closure applies to the Ilaga, Tsinga, Sugapa and Ugimba hiking trails.
The ministry has also identified several areas with moderate risk where hiking remains permitted under tighter controls. These include Mount Rinjani National Park, Mount Merbabu National Park, the Hyang Highlands Wildlife Reserve in Argopuro and Mount Halimun Salak National Park.
In these areas, access is subject to strict supervision and restrictions on designated safe zones. Authorities will also increase patrols and inspections to reduce the possibility of visitors carrying items that could potentially cause fires.
Ticket bookings suspended as policy remains under review
Online ticket booking services for locations under temporary closure have been suspended until authorities determine that conditions are safe for hiking activities to resume.
However, hikers who completed their ticket purchases before September 1 will retain their service entitlements. The ministry said these bookings would be handled through applicable regulations and technical adjustments in the field.
Previously scheduled events may also continue in certain locations under strict supervision. These include the Merbabu Trail Run at Mount Merbabu National Park, as well as specific events at Mount Merapi National Park and Kerinci Seblat National Park. Such activities will be accompanied and secured by a joint team.
Satyawan said national park authorities and Natural Resource Conservation Agencies (BKSDA) had been instructed to strengthen monitoring and patrols in their respective areas.
The ministry stressed that the hiking status is not permanent and will be reviewed according to changes in weather and conditions on the ground.
“This policy was adopted as a proactive and measured step to protect ecosystem integrity and ensure the safety of climbers,” Satyawan said.
