Viral videos show the savanna at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) East Java is gradually returning to its lush, green state following a recent wildfire. New shoots are sprouting from areas that were previously scorched due to the inadvertent ignition of flares by visitors during pre-wedding photoshoots.
Septi Eka Wardhani, Head of the Administrative Division at TNBTS, reported that grass shoots are already emerging in the Bromo Mountain savanna and the surrounding vegetation is starting to flourish once more. Nevertheless, certain plant species, such as trees, will require an extended period to fully recover to their original state.
Speaking from Malang on Thursday, October 19th, Septi Eka Wardhani, Head of the Administrative Division at TNBTS, noted that the savanna’s vegetation is gradually recuperating, despite the absence of rainfall. The region still grapples with dry conditions, posing a continued fire hazard. Optimal vegetation regrowth may only be observable in 3-5 years.
One of the most seen TikTok posts from the account @kadangsukasuka displays the once arid savanna now re-emerging with vibrant greenery.
@kadangsukasuka Kondisi Savana Bromo Terkini setelah Kebakaran #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #fyp #bromo #savebromo ♬ Somewhere Only Me Know Fyp – Muh Suara
Tourism to Mount Bromo Post Wildfire
Tourist visitation to Mount Bromo in East Java has witnessed a decline over the past month. This decline is attributed to the extensive wildfires that ravaged the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) between the 6th and 14th of September 2023.
TNBTS Administrative Division Head, Septi Eka Wardhani, stated that the park reopened to visitors on the 19th of September 2023. However, visitor numbers have yet to rebound significantly.
The wildfire, covering a total area of 989 hectares, was ignited due to visitors’ negligence in conducting pre-wedding photoshoots in the TNBTS area. This information is based on the latest data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The fire began in the Savana Lembah Watangan area, also known as the Teletubbies Hill, on the 6th of September 2023, spreading to several other areas before it was successfully extinguished on the 14th of September 2023. The firefighting effort involved a combined team from the Semeru TNBTS Karhutla Brigade, local communities, and volunteers. Ground operations were complemented by water bombing assistance from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
In the future, the management of the Mount Bromo tourism site emphasizes that those intending to visit TNBTS for purposes other than leisure, such as research or pre-wedding photoshoots, must obtain a Conservation Area Entry Permit (SIMAKSI).
