13 Illegal Mount Semeru Hikers Detained

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Agency (BB TNBTS) has detained 13 individuals who illegally climbed Mount Semeru. The hikers were apprehended by officers during two separate monitoring and enforcement operations conducted in the Lumajang Regency and Malang Regency areas.

BB TNBTS Head Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha explained that this enforcement action represents the national park’s firm commitment to protecting the conservation area, while also anticipating safety hazards for climbers.

“Therefore, we urge the public to comply with all applicable regulations and to refrain from climbing via illegal routes or entering areas that are currently closed,” Rudijanta stated on Tuesday (16/6/2026).

The first monitoring and enforcement operation took place in the Ranupani National Park Management Resort (RPTN) area, Lumajang Regency. At this location, officers detained two individuals.

Based on the investigation, both had recklessly climbed illegally via the Ayek-Ayek route on 13 June 2026. One of them was even found to have conducted a prior route survey in May 2026.

Their escape ended after they attempted to evade the Registered Mount Semeru Climbing Assistants (PPGST) during their descent. They fled into a local resident’s plantation before finally being captured by the community and handed over to officers.