Mount Papandayan Hiking Trails Reopen After Blue Fire Subsides
Mount Papandayan Hiking Trails Reopen After Blue Fire Subsides
Reporter
October 11, 2026 | 02:49 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Java Major Nature Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) has announced the reopening of the Mount Papandayan hiking trail in Garut Regency, which had previously been closed due to the “blue fire” natural phenomenon in the crater area.
“The ‘blue fire’ has disappeared, and tourism activities have resumed under monitoring. It is expected that tourists will pass through the crater area and not linger,” said Vitriana Yulalita, Head of the Garut Region V Conservation Section at the West Java BBKSDA, in Garut on Sunday, as quoted by ANTARA.
She said that the natural phenomenon known as the “blue fire” was observed in the crater area on September 24, 2026. This prompted restrictions to prevent tourists from crossing into or approaching the area.
Her team, together with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) and PT AIL, the operator of the Papandayan Nature Tourism Park, is monitoring the situation and ensuring visitor safety, following the park’s reopening on September 29, 2026.
“This decision takes into account that the phenomenon has subsided and that the activity of Mount Papandayan, as measured by the Geological Agency’s PVMBG, is at Level I (normal),” she said.
Although the route has reopened, the management continues to monitor the crater area and visitors to ensure safety.
He said tourists are constantly reminded to stay vigilant and follow regulations. For example, they are told not to linger in the crater area or to camp at Pondok Saladah.
“Restrictions on camping at Pondok Saladah remain in place due to forest fire prevention measures,” she said.
Separately, Amin Kaban, the Operations Manager of the Mount Papandayan Nature Tourism Park, confirmed that the site has reopened for hikers, with ongoing monitoring to ensure safety.
“Regarding what the BBKSDA stated, it is indeed true [that it has been opened], and visitor levels remain normal,” said Amin Kaban.
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