Forest Fires in Several East Java Mountains Unextinguished, Tourist Sites Closed

Joint task forces are continuing their efforts to extinguish forest and land fires occurring in several mountainous areas in East Java. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that smoke plumes are still visible in the Mount Bromo area, specifically around Mount Kursi and the Jemplang vicinity, in Probolinggo Regency.

According to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (BB TNBTS) office, the fire was first detected on Thursday (10/9) at 16:30 WIB in the Pengol Savanna area and subsequently spread towards Mount Kursi. On Saturday (12/9), flames reappeared in the Pengol area and, driven by strong winds, reached the Jemplang Post at approximately 16:20 WIB.

“As of Sunday (13/9), handling is still being carried out by joint teams through firefighting and wetting efforts via land routes in accessible locations. Water bombing operations cannot yet be conducted due to high wind conditions,” stated the Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, in a statement on Monday (14/9).

Meanwhile, in the Mount Semeru area, Lumajang Regency, aerial observations using a helicopter on Saturday showed smoke plumes persisting in the mountain area. Additionally, new fire spots were spotted near Post 3 of the hiking trail. Joint teams have utilised land routes to extinguish embers at Post Watu Rejeng to ensure the fire is fully out and to prevent potential spread to lower elevations.

“Fire spots around Post 3 cannot be addressed directly due to the steep terrain; progress is being monitored from Post Watu Reinteng and Post 2,” said Berton.

In the Mount Argopuro area, Jember Regency, smoke plumes are still visible, with several fire spots located on difficult-to-reach slopes. Fire spots were noted at Mount Gilap, Cikasur, Aeng Kenek in the Cemara Lima area, and Mount Pinggang. Berton noted that joint teams have performed manual firefighting using the ‘gepyok’ method in the Aeng Kenek area. Currently, the Mount Argopuro area is also obscured by fog, making monitoring difficult.

Perhutani KPH Jember is also conducting patrols and monitoring in the area, while joint teams continue handling accessible locations. In the Mount Kawinajang area, Blitar Regency, aerial observations on Sunday showed thick smoke plumes. Furthermore, monitoring indicates fire spots moving towards the Mount Butak Savanna area in Dau District, Malang Regency.

The East Java Provincial BPBD, along with the Blitar and Malang Regency BPBDs, are continuously assessing and monitoring the development of fire spots and the conditions of the surrounding areas. Berton stated that as of Sunday, there have been no reports of fatalities, and the impact assessment is currently underway.

“Joint teams continue to manage the situation by adjusting to terrain conditions, weather, access to locations, and personnel safety,” he said. The BNPB has warned the public not to approach the fire locations and to comply with official directives, including the closure of tourist areas. The public is also urged to avoid activities that could trigger fires and to report any fire spots or smoke plumes to local authorities immediately.

Tourism at Mount Bromo within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) has been officially closed to all tourist activities following the recurring forest and land fires. The fire, which began on Thursday afternoon (10/9) in the Pengol Savanna, has since spread to Bukit Teletubbies and Mount Kursi.

The Head of BB TNBTS, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, announced that the closure is effective from Saturday (12/9) until further notice, as per official announcement number PG.23/T.8/TU/HMS.01.07/B/09/2026. “The closure is in effect from Saturday, 12 September 2026, until a deadline is communicated later, considering the development of the fire conditions, the firefighting process, and the safety of the area,” said Rudijanta.