Bromo Wildfire Death Toll Rises to Five

The number of members of the joint team who have died while fighting a forest and land fire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) has risen to five.

The latest victim was Munawi, 44, a member of the Forest Ranger Partner Community (MMP). He died on Monday (19 October) after fighting for his life in Dr Soetomo Regional General Hospital in Surabaya, East Java.

“Mr Munawi, a member of the Forest Ranger Partner Community who took part in efforts to extinguish the fire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, has passed away after receiving intensive care,” TNBTS Great Hall chief Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha said on Monday (19 October).

Rudijanta said Munawi was one of 12 officers and volunteers who had been trying to put out the fire at the Tengger Laut Pasir Resort, PTN Section L, Cemorolawang, Probolinggo regency, East Java, since Thursday (15 October).

Munawi was found incapacitated amid dense smoke and flames. He was taken to Dr Soetomo Regional General Hospital for treatment of his burns.

“The deceased died after receiving intensive care following firefighting operations at the Tengger Laut Pasir Resort, PTN Section L, Cemorolawang, Probolinggo regency,” Rudijanta said.

Rudijanta said the death was a severe blow to TNBTS and people in East Java.

“His passing is a loss for his family, colleagues and everyone who worked alongside him to protect the area. Behind every firefighting effort are people who, out of concern and courage, take on risks for everyone’s safety,” he said.

The TNBTS Great Hall staff paid their final respects to Munawi and those who had died before him.

“Thank you, Mr Munawi, for your care and service. May all the good you did become a lasting source of merit. May Allah grant him the best place by His side, forgive his shortcomings, and give strength and fortitude to his bereaved family,” Rudijanta added.

The wildfire in the Bromo area, within TNBTS, had previously claimed four lives. Four members of the joint team died while fighting the blaze at Pusung Lingker, Probolinggo, on Thursday (15 October).

The victims were TNBTS Great Hall officers Sukaris, 55, and Hendra Rony Wagiyanata, as well as Wisnu Yuda Pratama, 25, and Sefriel Ardiansyah, 19, who worked at a hotel near the site.

In addition to the fatalities, two members of the team were injured. They were Munawi, who has since died, and Suraji, a security guard at a hotel near the fire. Suraji remains in intensive care at Dr Soetomo Regional General Hospital in Surabaya with burn injuries.

The East Java provincial government is reportedly preparing compensation of Rp10 million for each family of those who died.