Lembang Forest Authority Explains Fire Risk Behind Hiking Ban

Perhutani’s Lembang forest unit has received West Java’s ban on mountain and forest hiking during the prolonged dry season, but the Upas Hill route remains open for now while officials await further instructions.

Cucu Supriatna, an assistant at the Lembang Forest Management Unit, said the unit had received Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s circular, numbered 116/KH.02.04.03/ASDA.EKBANG, and immediately distributed it. “We received the circular yesterday and immediately distributed it. But we have not temporarily closed the area yet, as we are still waiting for our leadership,” Cucu said on September 2, 2026.

The Lembang forest covers 4,100 hectares across three management resorts: Lembang, Cisarua and Cikole. The only area commonly used for hiking is Upas Hill on Mount Tangkuban Parahu, accessed through Trek 11 Sukawana and Lorong Lumut. Cucu said the site is used only for hiking, not camping.

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We received the circular yesterday and immediately distributed it. But we have not temporarily closed the area yet, as we are still waiting for our leadership.

Before the circular was issued, Perhutani worked with local authorities, forest police and farmers, including members of the Forest Village Community Institution, to patrol the area and prevent forest and land fires. Officials have also installed warning banners and conducted outreach for hikers and residents who enter the forest to collect grass.

Cucu said cattle farmers have faced feed shortages during the dry season and sometimes enter the mountain area to find grass. They may make coffee or boil water, leaving embers that can ignite vegetation. “We have also put up warning banners and provided education about preventing fires during this dry season, including for hikers and residents looking for grass in the forest,” he said.

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We have also put up warning banners and provided education about preventing fires during this dry season, including for hikers and residents looking for grass in the forest.