East Java Deputy Governor Reveals Initial Suspected Cause of Bromo Fire: Human Negligence

East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak has revealed that human negligence is suspected to be the initial cause of the wildfire in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) area in East Java. According to Emil, while the current focus remains on firefighting efforts, the possibility of human error as the trigger cannot be ruled out. “At this moment, we are still focusing on extinguishing the fire. But we do not deny that there is a possibility of negligence and human factors that became the beginning of the fire. However, once again, our focus right now is on extinguishing it,” Emil said on CNN Indonesia TV’s Prime News on Monday evening (10/8).

He stated that firefighting efforts had been concentrated in the P-30 Peak area, which was the initial point of the forest fire in Bromo, with an affected area reaching 520 hectares. According to Emil, that point can now be declared extinguished. “P-30 Peak can be said to be extinguished as of today,” he said. However, a new fire spot has emerged in the Penanjakan area, specifically in the Dingklik Valley. Emil admitted that his team has not yet been able to confirm the cause of this new fire spot, whether it originated from another incident involving human action or from material carried by the wind.

“We cannot be sure whether it came from another incident involving human action or if the wind carried leaves or other materials that could spread the fire to a location that is not directly adjacent,” he said. The Chairman of the East Java Democratic Party (PD) noted that the many variables that could potentially trigger fires make vigilance crucial, especially during the current dry season. “There are too many and too diverse variables that can trigger fires during a dry season like this,” he said. He added that the phenomenon of fires caused by various factors is not only occurring in Bromo but also in several other locations across Indonesia. This matter was also discussed in a coordination meeting with the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs. “As I mentioned, this is happening all over Indonesia at many points. We had a coordination meeting with the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, and this is occurring with various causes,” he said.

The fire in the Bromo area reportedly started on Monday, 3 August 2026, around 17:00 WIB. Following the spread of the flames, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park temporarily closed all tourist access to the Mount Bromo area as of Saturday (8/8). As of Monday (10/8), the affected area in Bromo had reached 742 hectares. Firefighting efforts continue on the ground and from the air, deploying three helicopters, one drone, and eight fire engines. A number of joint teams have also been involved in the operation.