Bromo Tourism Closed Due to Forest Fires, 56 Joint Personnel Deployed
Forest and land fires (Karhutla) have besieged one of East Java’s premier tourist destinations since Thursday (10/09). The Ministry of Forestry, through the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (BB TNBTS), reported that the fires have spread across the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area.
According to the official chronology, the first hotspots were detected in the Pengol Savanna area before spreading aggressively towards Mount Kursi. A joint marathon firefighting effort was immediately deployed to subdue the flames. The chronology, cited from the Ministry of Forestry’s official website on Sunday (13/09/2026), is as follows:
10 September 2026: The first hotspots were detected in the Pengol area, which then split and spread towards Mount Kursi. Joint teams immediately moved across the terrain to intercept the fire’s progress.
11 September 2026: Officers managed to subdue and extinguish the fire in the Pengol area heading towards Mount Bromo at 18:30 WIB. Although the fire on the Mount Kursi path had not been fully extinguished, officers ensured the situation was under control.
12 September 20 Whilst the situation appeared stable, it intensified again following the emergence of new hotspots in the Pengol area. Extreme high winds caused the flames to grow rapidly, advancing to the Pos Jemplang area by 16:20 WIB.
To date, the firefighting process continues at that location due to the highly dynamic field conditions.
Joint Forces Deployed and Water Bombing Tactics
This large-scale firefighting operation involves full strength from various elements. A total of 56 joint personnel, consisting of TNBTS staff, Manggala Agni TNBTS, Fire Care Communities (MPA), and Forestry Partner Communities (MMP), have been deployed to high-risk areas.
This force is further bolstered by 8 Manggala Agni personnel from BKSDA Bali, 8 Manggala Agni personnel from West Bali National Park, 15 personnel from the Jabalnusra Forest Fire Control Brigade (Brigdalkarhut), 15 personnel from the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, as well as full support from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the TNI-Polri (Military and Police).
For logistics and technical support, officers have deployed 2 water tank units for direct spraying. Water supply to hard-to-reach points is being facilitated using 2 patrol units, 2 pick-up vehicles, and 1 water truck.
In addition to wetting methods, field teams are also using manual and mechanical techniques with firefighting tools such as ‘gepyok’ (handheld fire beaters), jet shooters, and engine blowers, adapted to the steep terrain and limited water sources.
Beyond ground operations, the firefighting effort is being reinforced from the air through the deployment of water bombing helicopters, supported directly by the East Java Provincial Government.
The combination of a prolonged dry season, which has left vegetation and grass parched, along with strong winds, has been the primary driver for the rapid spread of the fire. Thick smoke around the location has also reduced visibility, presenting a significant challenge to the mobility of the field teams.
Bromo Tourism Closed Entirely
As an emergency mitigation measure to prioritise visitor safety and optimise the movement of the firefighting teams, the government has officially closed all tourism activities at Mount Bromo from all entry points, effective from 12 September 2026, until a further announcement is made.
Nevertheless, the management has emphasised that tourism activities to the Ranu Regulo area remain open and are operating normally, subject to existing regulations.
The Ministry of Forestry advises the public, tourism operators, and travellers to avoid approaching the fire hotspots and to continuously monitor official information released by BB TNBTS.