Forest Fires Spread in West Java, Mountain Climbing Temporarily Suspended

The leadership of the West Java provincial government has recommended the temporary suspension of mountain climbing in the region following an increase and spread of forest and land fires (karhutla) in recent times.

According to reports as of 2<0xC2>arras 24 August, 132 forest fire incidents have been recorded across various areas, with a total burnt area reaching 196.40 hectares. This situation has prompted West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi to request that local governments take more decisive preventive measures regarding mountain climbing in their respective jurisdictions.

Citing the West Java Environmental Agency (DLH), the province contains hundreds of mountains, with approximately 364 peaks recorded in West Java. Popular climbing destinations include Mount Salak, Mount Gede, Mount Pangrango, Mount Papandayan, and Mount Ciremai.

Dedi has requested that Regency and City Governments, particularly in Cianjur and Bogor which host mountainous areas, consider suspending climbing activities. He noted that the risk of fire during the dry season cannot be taken lightly.

“The Regent of Cianjur, the Regent of Bogor, and areas where mountain climbing activities take place should temporarily postpone them,” Dedi stated on Sunday (30/8). He emphasised that human activity is a significant risk factor, as cigarette butts or uncontrolled fires could trigger blazes, especially as vegetation dries out due to the heat.

“Because many people climb mountains and bring cigarettes and lighters, uncontrolled fires can occur. In my view, we should postpone this for now, as not everyone is disciplined,” Dedi added.

Beyond mountainous regions, Dedi also highlighted the potential for fires at Landfill Sites (TPA). He urged local regencies and cities to enhance mitigation steps to prevent fires from igniting and spreading, suggesting that people should be prohibited from bringing lighters or cigarettes into landfill areas.

Dedi’s warning comes amidst a rising number of forest fire incidents in West Java. Based on data from the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) up to 24 August, 132 incidents were recorded across 91 sub-districts and 153 villages.

Sumedang Regency recorded the highest number of incidents, while Sukabumi Regency recorded the largest burnt area. In Sumedang, there were 20 incidents across 11 sub-districts and 21 villages, covering 21.68 hectares. Sukabumi faced the widest impact with 49.20 hectares burnt across 12 incidents.

Other regions face similar issues: Majalengka recorded 15 incidents covering 25.91 hectares, Kuningan had 10 incidents covering 23.80 hectares, and Cirebon Regency had 8 incidents covering 20.73 hectares. Additionally, Bandung Regency recorded 13 incidents covering 16.80 hectares, Subang recorded 11 incidents covering 9.53 hectares, and Purwakarta experienced 10 incidents covering 8.22 hectares.