Minister: El Niño Makes Forest Fire Extinguishing Difficult

The government has pledged full support to accelerate the handling of forest and land fires (karhutla) in several regions. He said the still-strong El Nino conditions are hampering the extinguishing process.

“Alhamdulillah, as reported yesterday at Bromo, there were two remaining hotspots, which is indeed because, what is it called, the El Nino is quite dry, very high, and that makes the extinguishing process not easy,” said State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi to journalists at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (12/8/2026).

Pras also expressed appreciation to all parties working hard on the ground, from the TNI, Polri, volunteers, to the community. According to him, cooperation between various parties is key to ensuring the fires can be dealt with promptly.

“We are also monitoring volunteers who have gone down to the field, the community is also working hard with all their efforts to help extinguish this fire as soon as possible,” he said.

On the other hand, the government is also reminding the public to help prevent the emergence of new hotspots. He mentioned that simple things such as discarding cigarette butts and matches carelessly are considered capable of triggering fires amid dry land conditions.

“Including an appeal to avoid things that could cause the potential emergence of new hotspots. For example, do not throw cigarette butts carelessly, do not discard matches carelessly, and do not clear land. This is happening in several places also because of our habit of clearing land by burning,” he said.

Forest and land fires at Mount Bromo have not yet been extinguished. The total closure of access to Bromo tourism has now been extended until 15 August 2026.

The decision to extend the closure of tourist access was announced by the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Agency through its official Instagram account, @bbtnbtsbromotenggersemeru.

“The closure of the Mount Bromo tourism area has been extended until 15 August 2026, adjusting to the condition of the area which is still in the process of being handled,” said TNBTS, as reported by detikJatim, Wednesday (12/8).