Bromo Wildfire Death Toll Rises to Four

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

The latest death is Hendra Rony Wagiyanata, a junior Manggala Agni officer with the TNBTS Regional Management Division I at the park’s management authority. He died after being among the injured personnel who had received intensive treatment.

“The TNBTS management authority and the Ministry of Forestry express their deepest condolences on the passing of Hendra Rony Wagiyanata, known as Cak Panda,” TNBTS head Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha said on Thursday evening (15 October).

Cak Panda was one of three survivors who suffered serious burns after being trapped by flames in the Mentigen area of Probolinggo.

Medical teams made every effort to save him after he was evacuated from the fire site, but his injuries were too severe for him to survive.

“He passed away after receiving intensive treatment following firefighting operations in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park,” Rudijanta said.

Rudijanta said the courage and sacrifice shown by the deceased and his colleagues were a noble service worthy of respect.

“His dedication and service in protecting the conservation area will always be part of our shared struggle to protect nature and the environment,” he said.

With one more death, the total number of personnel killed in the incident is now four. Three people died at the scene: Sukaris, 55, Wisnu Yuda Pratama, 25, and Sefriel Ardiansyah, 19.

Two injured people remain in hospital: Munawi, from the Masyarakat Peduli Api (Fire-Aware Community) unit, and Suraji, a security guard at a local hotel.

The TNBTS management authority also offered prayers and condolences to the bereaved family, wishing them strength in facing their loss.

“May the deceased be granted the best place by His side, and may the family left behind be given patience, strength and acceptance,” he said.