Raja Juli Announces Bromo to Reopen on 20 August

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has revealed plans to reopen the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) on 20 August.

This was conveyed by Raja Juli after confirming that a number of fire hotspots in the area had been completely extinguished.

“Today I officially announce, on behalf of the Indonesian Forestry Minister, that the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park will reopen from 20 August,” said Raja Juli during a meeting with House of Representatives Commission IV in Jakarta on Tuesday (18/8).

Raja Juli said the total area of land affected by forest and land fires in several regions reached 1,120 hectares. However, after 13 days of fire, all hotspots have been extinguished.

“The fire that lasted 13 days, thank God, was finally extinguished thanks to the cooperation of various ministries and agencies together with local governments,” he said.

The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) secretary-general asked the public to participate in protecting and maintaining the Bromo area once it officially reopens. He hopes that similar fire incidents will not happen again.

He said the fire in the area, which lasted for two weeks, had drained manpower and budget.

“Therefore, please take good care of it, do not use campfires that could ignite, cigarette butts, or anything that could cause another fire in Bromo Tengger Semeru,” said Raja Juli.

Forest and land fires in several regions

In the meeting between House of Representatives Commission IV and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, the discussion focused on forest and land fire cases occurring in several regions.

Deputy Chairman of Commission IV from the PDIP faction, Alex Indra Lukman, said the meeting requested an explanation from the government, particularly the Forestry Ministry, regarding the handling of these cases.

“In today’s meeting, House of Representatives Commission IV requested a comprehensive explanation from the Forestry Ministry regarding the handling of forest and land fires so that they do not spread,” said Alex, opening the meeting.

He asked the government to take swift action so as not to be outpaced by the spread of fire at the fire locations. According to him, prevention must be a priority before the fire grows larger.

“The government must not be slower than the fire hotspots; prevention must be prioritised over merely responding once the fire has grown,” said Alex.