Mount Semeru Hiking Trails to Close Temporarily for Karo Day Observance

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) authority has announced the temporary closure of hiking trails on Mount Semeru in East Java from 7 to 18 August 2026. The closure is being implemented to honour the observance of Hari Raya Karo, a significant religious festival for the Tenggerese Hindu community.

Head of the TNBTS Centre, Rudijanta Tjahjah Nugraha, stated on Friday (3/7/2026) that the closure is a form of respect for the celebration. The policy is formalised in an official announcement letter (PG.16/T.8/TU/HMS.01.08/B/07/2026) issued on 1 July, following a request from the Ranupani Village Government in Lumajang Regency.

Under the directive, the last day for hiking activities will be Thursday, 6 August, and all climbers must have descended from the mountain by 4:00 PM Western Indonesia Time on 7 August. The national park will reopen the hiking routes on Wednesday, 19 August, with online registration available through the official website.

Hikers who were affected by the 2025 eruption and had selected a climbing schedule that coincides with this closure period will be given the opportunity to reschedule. The rescheduling mechanism will be communicated directly to the registered group leader’s WhatsApp number. While the summit trails are closed, the authority confirmed that tourism and camping activities in the Ranu Regulo area will remain open during the Karo festival.