Forest fires surrounding Mount Semeru in Lumajang regency, East Java, have burned 598 hectares as of Monday, driven by extreme weather and high winds that complicate containment efforts, according to the East Java Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).
The blazes are concentrated around two main fire spots in Senduro district, specifically in Argosari village’s B29 area and Ranu Pani’s Ranu Kembang area, according to BPBD executive director Gatot Soebroto. Affected terrain includes Mount Kepolo, the Jambangan area, Po’o forest, and the Ayak-ayak alternative climbing route. A joint team of BPBD personnel, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police, volunteers, and local residents has been working to limit the spread by constructing firebreaks in Ayak-ayak and Po’o. Additional dousing efforts are underway along the Semeru climbing route between Post 1 and Post 2.
Gatot noted that steep cliffs and strong winds are accelerating the spread of the fires and hindering ground crews. In response to the hazards, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) management closed all climbing activities on the 3,676-meter volcano indefinitely starting August 26. Concurrently, preliminary data cited by Yudhi Cahyono, head of the Emergency and Logistics Division at Lumajang BPBD, indicated that wildfires had spread across seven locations affecting roughly 160 hectares within the national park, prompting the deployment of two regional water-bombing helicopters to assist ground units.
Drought Conditions Fueling Regional Wildfires
The fires coincide with severe meteorological conditions across the region. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency’s (BMKG) East Java Climatology Station issued a drought warning on Monday, noting that most of East Java has gone more than 60 consecutive days without rain—the benchmark for extreme drought. With low rain distribution recorded between August 21 and 31, BMKG forecasts that dry conditions will persist until September 10 with a probability exceeding 90 percent, elevating risks for agricultural lands, reducing water availability, and triggering further fires.
The initial Semeru forest fire was reported on August 26 at roughly 8 p.m. near Ranu Kembang, west of Post 4 along the climbing route in Ranu Pani village. Addressing the broader national scope of the crisis, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced Monday that the central government has temporarily closed climbing activities in nine vulnerable national parks. The measure aims to prioritize climber safety and free up emergency resources, including helicopters needed for water bombing operations that have been diverted from six priority provinces.
Did You Know? The temporary closures affect nine national parks nationwide—including the Semeru trail in Bromo Tengger Semeru, Bukit Baka Bukit Raya, Kerinci Seblat, Mount Ciremai, Tambora, Manusela, Mount Gede Pangrango, Leuser, and Lorentz—while parks such as Mount Rinjani and Mount Merbabu remain open under strict supervision.
Outlook and Emergency Response Coordination
Authorities anticipate that containment operations will remain complex as long as extreme dry weather and strong winds persist. Officials from the East Java BPBD and Lumajang BPBD are coordinating directly with TNBTS management to accelerate firefighting logistics. Ground personnel continue to monitor treated sectors to prevent reignition while utilizing trail motorcycles to survey inaccessible hotspots and guide aerial water drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the extreme fire conditions around Mount Semeru?
According to BMKG, the fires were exacerbated by extreme weather and meteorological drought, with most of East Java experiencing over 60 consecutive days without rain.
Which areas are currently affected by the Mount Semeru fires?
The East Java BPBD reported that 598 hectares have burned, with main fire spots located in Senduro district’s B29 area in Argosari village and Ranu Kembang in Ranu Pani, alongside affected zones like Mount Kepolo and the Ayak-ayak route.
Are climbing activities still permitted on Mount Semeru?
No. TNBTS management closed all climbing activities on Mount Semeru indefinitely starting August 26 to ensure climber safety and support firefighting operations.
What measures do you think local authorities should prioritize next to protect vulnerable agricultural lands and surrounding villages from drought-driven fires?
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