Ijen Mountain Area on Fire, Flames Spread Across Nature Reserve

A forest and land fire (karhutla) has struck the Ijen Mountain area, specifically within the Merapi Ungup-Ungup Nature Reserve, on Thursday (3/9).

The flames, which have been monitored over the last three days, are reported to be spreading, with fire points clearly visible from several residential areas on the slopes of Ijen.

The Head of Natural Resources Conservation (KSDA) for Region III Jember, Purwantono, confirmed that the first fire point was detected in the early hours of Thursday (3/9) at approximately 00:00 WIB. The flames were seen piercing through the darkness of the night at the peak of the slope.

“Initial information indicates the fire point is located within the Merapi Ungup-Ungup Nature Reserve, in the upper inner section. Currently, our teams on the ground are still mobilising to access the location and carry out firefighting efforts,” Purwantono stated when confirmed on Friday (4/9).

As of now, the KSDA Office has not been able to provide specific details regarding the total area affected or the number of personnel deployed. The handling and data collection process in the field are being hindered by poor communication networks within the Merapi Ungup-Ungup area.

Purwantono added that the dry season is the primary factor contributing to the high fire risk in this conservation area. The accumulation of dry vegetation and leaves is highly flammable, especially when combined with the strong winds characteristic of highland regions.

“This dry season is very high-risk. Dry vegetation, if ignited and caught by the wind, can spread very rapidly,” he concluded.