Bromo National Park Closed as Wildfire Spreads; Authorities Deploy Aerial Support

A rapidly expanding wildfire has engulfed a substantial portion of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesia, leading authorities to order its temporary closure. As of Sunday, August 9, 2026, the blaze has impacted an estimated 520 hectares of the protected conservation area.

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Instructing the Head of the Center to temporarily close the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park entirely. The goal is one, so that everyone can focus on extinguishing the fire while also anticipating further fires elsewhere.

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni issued a directive for the complete temporary closure of the park. This measure aims to allow all involved personnel to concentrate their efforts on extinguishing the current fires and preventing new ones from igniting. The safety of both the public and the emergency responders is a paramount concern guiding this decision.

Minister Antoni, accompanied by Major General TNI Rudy Saladin of the V/Brawijaya Regional Military Command and East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak, visited the site to assess the situation. They observed the firefighting operations firsthand and ensured optimal coordination among central and regional governments, the military, police, and other relevant agencies.

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The second is also related to safety, safety first, concerning the lives of citizens due to this disaster.

To accelerate suppression efforts, three helicopters are actively engaged in water bombing operations, targeting areas with steep terrain that are difficult for ground crews to access. Ground personnel are simultaneously working to combat the flames and establish firebreaks to contain the fire's spread. Deputy Governor Dardak noted that aerial operations are currently focused on the challenging terrain of the B29 peak, the easternmost part of the park, where weather conditions and water availability pose additional difficulties.

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For the firefighting now, there are three helicopters that have been operating to extinguish the hotspots, especially on slopes that cannot be reached by ground troops.