The national park management announced a temporary suspension of all tourist activities from the evening of 8/8, with no reopening date yet determined. Visitors who have purchased tickets can reschedule or request refunds. This measure aims to ensure the safety of tourists, staff, and residents living in nearby areas.

Fire on a hillside in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, 9/8. Photo: Reuters/Dipta Wahyu

The fire ignited on 3/8 near the crater on Java island. By 7/8, the burned area reached approximately 176 ha, three times the 60 ha recorded on 6/8. On 9/8, no casualties were reported.

Steep slopes and cliffs in the affected area hindered firefighters' access. Fire suppression efforts also depended heavily on wind conditions. The East Java disaster mitigation agency deployed water-dropping helicopters and drones to support firefighters. Images posted by the national park management on social media showed flames spreading across hillsides during the night. Indonesian officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

Bromo National Park is located within Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java province. This region is often described as "otherworldly" due to its surreal landscapes, featuring Mount Bromo, a vast sand plain within the crater known as the "sea of sand". This unique environment attracts millions of tourists annually.

View of Mount Bromo, Bromo National Park. Photo: Cao Nhu Thuy

The Bromo area has experienced multiple forest and grassland fires, typically during the dry season, which runs from April to October. In 9/2023, a fire at Bukit Teletubbies was traced back to flares used by tourists during a wedding photoshoot. This incident led to widespread damage and a temporary suspension of tourism activities. Another fire occurred at Mount Batok in 6/2024.

Mai Phuong (According to Reuters)