Blue Fire Disappears as Mount Papandayan Hiking Route Reopens

Garut (ANTARA) – The West Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) says the hiking route at Mount Papandayan in Garut Regency has reopened after it was previously closed because of the blue-fire phenomenon in the crater area.

“The blue fire has disappeared, and tourism activities have reopened under monitoring. Visitors are advised to pass through the crater area and not to stay there for long,” said Vitriana Yulalita, head of BBKSDA West Java’s Conservation Area V office in Garut, on Sunday.

She said the natural phenomenon was observed in the crater area on 24 September 2026. Restrictions were subsequently imposed to prevent visitors from passing through or approaching the area.

The reopening was based on the disappearance of the phenomenon and Mount Papandayan’s activity being recorded at Level I (normal) by the Geological Agency’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), she said.

Although the route has reopened, BBKSDA and the site operator will continue monitoring the crater area and visitors to ensure their safety.

“Camping at Pondok Saladah remains restricted as a measure to prevent forest and land fires,” she said.

Separately, Amin Kaban, operational manager of the Mount Papandayan Nature Tourism Park, confirmed that the route had reopened to hikers and said it would remain under monitoring to ensure safety.

“What BBKSDA has said is correct: it has reopened, and visitor numbers are still at their usual level,” Amin said.