Forestry Minister Hands Over Bromo Fire Cause Investigation to Law Enforcement

Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has entrusted the investigation into the cause of forest and land fires in the Mount Bromo area of East Java to law enforcement authorities.

“(The investigation) we hand over to law enforcement,” said the minister when asked about the possibility of deliberate intent behind the fire, in a press statement delivered in the Mount Bromo area, East Java, on Sunday.

The minister stressed that law enforcement authorities have a strong commitment to taking firm action against any party proven to have carried out prohibited activities that trigger forest or land fires.

“Whoever carries out forest and land burning will receive a fitting punishment,” he said.

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) previously stated on Friday (7/8) that the cause of the fire in the Mount Bromo area was suspected to be human activity.

This suspicion is based on the emergence of the initial fire point in the Bantengan Block area.

The TNBTS said there is a traditional route or connecting path between Arjosari Village and Ranu Pani at that location.

The TNBTS believes there is a possibility of campfire activity during cold weather in the area that was not properly extinguished.

Therefore, the government is urging the public to avoid using fire when carrying out activities in forest areas, as it could trigger a recurrence of fire incidents.

The minister added that current weather conditions due to the El Niño phenomenon have resulted in a drier dry season.

“Once again, please do not play with fire,” said Raja Juli.

During his visit to Mount Bromo, the minister directly observed firefighting efforts using water bombing helicopters in the forest area located in Probolinggo Regency, East Java.

Minister Raja Juli was accompanied by East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak, along with regional officials from Probolinggo Regency.