Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Tightens Surveillance on Mount Semeru to Prevent Illegal Climbers

Malang, East Java — The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Grand Office is tightening surveillance on Mount Semeru to prevent illegal climbers from entering the area via unofficial routes.

“In addition to ongoing education via social media, we will strengthen synergy with local governments, security forces, the community, and volunteers to prevent illegal climbing activities that potentially endanger visitor safety and the preservation of the TNBTS area,” stated Bambang Suriyono, Head of Administration at the TNBTS Grand Office, in Malang, East Java, on Saturday.

This increased surveillance follows an incident involving a climber who fell into a ravine on Mount Semeru after attempting to climb via an unofficial path, specifically through the Candi Jawar Purbakala route in the Ampelgading District, Malang Regency, East Java. The authorities emphasised that the only legal access point for climbing is through the Ranu Pani area in Lumajang Regency.

“We emphasise that the route used by the climbers in this incident is not an official route managed by the TNBTS Grand Office,” he added.

The TNBTS Grand Office will conduct an evaluation to strengthen the dissemination of information regarding all applicable regulations on the climbing routes of the 3,672-metre-above-sea-level peak. Furthermore, climbing activities are currently restricted to the Ranu Kumbolo area, as Mount Semeru remains at alert level III.

“If necessary, additional security measures will be implemented, such as the installation of prohibition signs and other preventative measures to minimise illegal climbing activities on Semeru,” Suriyono said.

According to data from the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Grand Office, 5,157 climbers were recorded ascending Mount Semeru between April and May 2024. Of these, 5,080 were Indonesian citizens, while 77 were foreign nationals.

According to the Surabaya SAR Office, the climber who fell into a ravine approximately 375 metres deep via the unofficial route has been successfully evacuated and is safe. The victim, named Cakra, received medical treatment from the Malang Regency Health Office team on Friday night upon arrival at the evacuation post, after suffering a dislocation to his right ankle.