Bromo Wildfire Death Toll Rises to Six
The number of members of the joint team who have died while fighting a forest and land fire in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS), East Java, since last week has risen to six.
The sixth person to die was Suraji, 40, a security guard at a hotel near the site who joined the firefighting effort as a volunteer.
“The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority extends its deepest condolences on the death of Suraji, a security guard with Artotel, PT Mitra Indo Permai,” said Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, head of the TNBTS authority, on Friday (23 October).
Rudijanta said Suraji had received medical treatment at Dr Soetomo Regional General Hospital in Surabaya for his burn injuries.
“He died after receiving intensive care following the firefighting operation at the Tengger Laut Pasir Resort, Section L of the National Park, Cemorolawang, Probolinggo Regency,” he said.
Suraji had been fighting for his life in critical condition at Dr Soetomo Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead at midday.
“Mr Suraji, a security guard with Artotel, PT Mitra Indo Permai, had been receiving intensive care after taking part in efforts to extinguish the fire in the Bromo area. He passed away today at around 12 noon Western Indonesian Time,” Rudijanta said.
Rudijanta said Suraji’s death added to the toll among personnel who were casualties of the fire in the Bromo conservation area. The TNBTS authority said it was deeply affected by the incident.
“His passing adds to the grief over the fire that occurred on 15 October 2026. We have lost him; we are all deeply bereaved,” he said.
The TNBTS authority also thanked the public for their expressions of sympathy during Suraji’s treatment and said it hoped his family would find strength in the tragedy.
“Thank you for every prayer and every expression of support during his treatment. May the deceased be granted the best place by His side, forgiven for his shortcomings, and may the bereaved family be given strength and fortitude,” Rudijanta said.
The five members of the joint team who died earlier while fighting the fire at Pusung Lingker in Probolinggo were TNBTS authority staff Sukaris, 55, and Hendra Rony Wagiyanata, 33; hotel employees Wisnu Yuda Pratama, 25, and Sefriel Ardiansyah, 19; and Munawi, 44, a member of the Forest Ranger Partner Community (MMP).