Perhutani Closes Mount Lawu Climbing Routes Due to Forest Fires
Magetan (ANTARA) - Perhutani Lawu and Surrounding Forest Management Unit (KPH Lawu Ds) has temporarily closed the Mount Lawu climbing route via Cemoro Sewu as an anticipatory measure following a forest fire.
Mulyadi, the Assistant Manager of BKPH South Lawu KPH Lawu Ds in Magetan, stated on Wednesday that the forest fire on the slopes of Mount Lawu has been occurring since Monday (14/09/2026), with the initial fire spot detected in plot 50+A RPH Bedagung, BKPH South Lawu, within the Panekan area, Magetan. Although the fire in the Magetan area has been extinguished, the blaze has spread into the Ngawi Regency area.
“For the safety of climbers, we are temporarily closing the route for an indefinite period,” said Mulyable.
He noted that the closure is an anticipatory effort to ensure climber safety. Perhutani assesses that a fire at one point in the Mount Lawu area could threaten several climbing routes, especially as the fire still has the potential to move due to wind conditions and dry vegetation.
According to the latest data from local Perhutani officials, the affected area in the Magetan region is estimated to be approximately 9 hectares.
“The burnt plots in the Magetan area are RPH Bedagung, BKPH South Lawu, Plot 50 A1, and Plot 50 E, with an estimated area of about 9 hectares. Currently, the fire in the Magetan area has died down and is extinguished. The fire is now spreading towards the Ngawi area,” he said.
Even though the fire spots in the Magetan area have been extinguished, officers are still conducting sweeps to ensure there are no embers that could potentially reignite the fire.
Additionally, officers are strengthening firebreaks in the border areas. These firebreaks are created to anticipate the possibility of fire from the Ngawi direction spreading back into the Magetan area.
He added that the forest fire control post in Ngliliran Village, Panekan District, remains on alert to monitor potential fire recurrences due to extremely dry weather conditions.
Fire management involves various parties, including Perhutani, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the TNI-Polri (Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police), Fire Care Communities, volunteers, and local residents.
With all climbing routes closed, the public and prospective hikers are urged not to force their way into the Mount Lawu area until conditions are declared safe and the reopening of the climbing routes is announced by the authorities.