Jakarta, ThedailyID — Mount Bromo has closed all tourist access after a wildfire spread across the Bromo Caldera, prompting authorities to suspend visits until further notice.
The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority (BB TNBTS) announced the closure on August 8, saying the measure will support firefighting operations and protect visitors.
The shutdown affects all entrance gates, including Cemorolawang in Probolinggo, Wonokitri in Pasuruan, Jemplang and Coban Trisula in Malang, and Senduro in Lumajang.
“The closure will help ensure the effectiveness of firefighting efforts while protecting the safety of visitors,” BB TNBTS Head Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha said in a statement.
The closure took effect at 10:00 p.m. local time on August 8 and will remain in place until authorities announce a reopening date.
Visitors who purchased tickets through the park’s online booking system for the closure period can either reschedule their visit or request a full refund.
Authorities also urged tourists and tourism operators to avoid entering the national park until conditions improve.
The wildfire has burned an estimated 176.2 hectares of land as of August 7, according to the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). Officials warned the affected area could continue to expand.
The fire first broke out on August 3 and has spread across several parts of the national park.
Authorities said the remaining active fire is moving east toward Bukit B29, while crews have extinguished flames near Sariwani Village and Bukit Jantur. However, smoke is still rising from those areas.
Firefighters continue to battle the blaze using ground crews, fire engines, drones, and a BNPB water-bombing helicopter, which dropped 4,000 liters of water during operations on August 7.
