A forest fire continues to burn across parts of the Mount Bromo area in East Java, prompting authorities to partially close the national park and prohibit visitors from entering the popular Savannah area.
The wildfire, which first broke out in the Bantengan Block of Senduro District, Lumajang Regency, has spread eastwards into the Watu Gede area in Sukapura District, Probolinggo Regency. Preliminary assessments indicate that nearly 8 hectares of land have been affected, although officials say the total burned area could increase as field assessments continue.
A joint firefighting operation involving the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Office, Perhutani, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), volunteers and local residents remains underway.
Firefighters have been working to contain the blaze as it advances across the steep slopes of the Tengger Caldera.
Firefighters Continue Efforts as Hotspots Remain Active
Probolinggo BPBD Chief Executive Oemar Sjarief said the section of the fire approaching Probolinggo Regency had been brought under control. However, firefighting teams remain at the scene because several hotspots continue to burn in other areas.
“The fire heading towards Probolinggo Regency, near our location, has been extinguished. However, personnel are still extinguishing the fire because the fire is still burning in other locations and spreading eastward,” said Oemar on Tuesday (4 August 2026), as quoted by DetikNews.
According to the Probolinggo Regency BPBD, the fire entered the administrative area of Sariwani Village in Sukapura District at around 8.20 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. Firefighters immediately began suppression efforts along the route between the Bantengan Block and Pusung Jantur.
Initial data indicates that approximately 7.9 hectares have been burned. Authorities stressed that the figure remains provisional and could rise as further inspections are completed.
Fire crews have been relying on manual firefighting equipment, including kepyok fire beaters and backpack sprayers, to contain the blaze. The rugged and steep terrain has complicated operations, slowing efforts to fully extinguish the fire.
The Head of the Administrative Division of the TNBTS Centre, Bang Bang Suriano, said the safety of personnel remains the highest priority throughout the operation.
“The fire is located on the very steep slopes of the Tengger Caldera. Therefore, we are prioritising the safety of all personnel on duty. Efforts to extinguish the fire are being carried out to the maximum extent possible, involving all stakeholders,” he said.
Partial Closure of Mount Bromo Tourist Area
In response to the wildfire, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park authority has temporarily closed several access points to the Mount Bromo tourist area since the evening of Monday (3 August 2026).
The closure affects the entrances at Jemplang, Coban Trisula and Senduro as authorities continue firefighting operations and monitor the movement of the fire.
Visitors can still access Mount Bromo through the Cemoro Lawang entrance in Probolinggo Regency and the Wonokitri entrance in Pasuruan Regency. However, tourist activities have been restricted.
Authorities have confirmed that visitors are only permitted to enter the Sea of Sand area, while access to the Savannah area remains prohibited until conditions are considered safe.
The national park authority has urged visitors to comply with all restrictions and follow instructions from officers on site while firefighting efforts continue.
Find this article helpful? Check out other articles from Social Expat for more updates about Indonesia
-
-
-
- Malaysia Airlines Pilot Arrested in Jakarta for Allegedly Smuggling Over 70,000 Ecstasy Pills After Operating Flight
- Bali Immigration Investigates Belarusian National Over Alleged Removal of Indonesians From WhatsApp Group
- Viral: Bali Expat Running Community Accused of Discriminating Against Indonesian Participants
-
-
