Mount Ciremai Climbing Trails Closed Temporarily to Prevent Forest Fires
The Mount Ciremai National Park Authority (BTNGC) has closed all climbing routes to Mount Ciremai.
According to information gathered, the closure of all climbing routes on Mount Ciremai is stipulated in letter number PG.20/T.33/TU/KSA.02.02/B/08/2026 regarding the Temporary Closure of Natural Tourism Activities for Climbing Mount Ciremai as part of forest and land fire prevention during the 2026 dry season.
The closure is based on the Circular Letter of the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Number: SE.4/KSDAE/S_KSDAE/KSA.02.02/B/08/2026, dated 31 August 2026, concerning the temporary closure and limited reopening of mountain climbing tourism in Nature Reserve Areas (KSA) and Nature Conservation Areas (KPA) for forest fire prevention. Additionally, this policy refers to the West Java Governor’s Circular Letter Number: 116/KH.02.04.03/ASDA EKBANG, dated 30 August 2026, regarding the prohibition of mountain/forest climbing in the West Java region during the dry season.
The letter, electronically signed by the Head of BTNGC, Toni Anwar, dated 31 August 2026, closes the climbing routes starting from 6 September 2026. Meanwhile, online booking services have been suspended since 1 September 2026.
Eska Nata Suryana, the Coordinator for Data, Evaluation, Reporting, and Public Relations of the BTNGC, explained that they are still providing tolerance for prospective climbers who had already made bookings before 1 September 2026, with climbing schedules permitted until 5 September, albeit under strict supervision, on Wednesday (2/9).
Regarding the purpose of the temporary closure, Eska continued, it aims to minimise the risk of forest fires during this dry season, as well as to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem and the safety of visitors.
During this dry season, there have been at least three instances of forest and land fires, with the most severe area reaching 15 hectares. The suspected cause of the fires is attributed to human activity or human error.
“The indications may be from human activity or human error. There are many factors, as our area borders community-owned land, so the fire spreads into the area,” explained Eska.
When asked about the deadline for reopening the climbing routes, Eska stated that they cannot yet provide certainty as they must monitor the developing situation on the ground.
Furthermore, BTNGC has urged local communities and tourists to always obey the regulations. “We from Mount Ciremai National Park constantly urge the community, especially those living around the area, to always cooperate with the National Park to maximise forest fire prevention,” Eska hoped.
As for tourists, particularly campers and climbers, they are also urged to maintain safety within the area. “Efforts should be made to minimise the creation of campfires or anything else that could trigger a fire,” said Eska.
Mount Ciremai is located in the Kuningan and Majalengka Regencies. Climbing to the summit can be done through five routes: Linggajati, Linggasana, and Palutungan in Kuningan Regency, and the Apuy and Trisakti Sadarehe routes in Majalengka Regency.