Forest fires and land fires sweeping across seven mountains in East Java have burned an estimated 1,888.91 hectares on Mount Semeru alone, forcing widespread trail closures and prompting aerial and ground firefighting operations during the ongoing dry season.
East Java Wildfires Ravage Seven Mountains as Semeru Burns 1,888 Hectares
The affected range includes Mount Bromo, Mount Semeru, Mount Raung, Mount Ijen, Mount Argopuro, Mount Butak, and Mount Lemongan, according to Tempo. Additional flare-ups and monitoring efforts have spread across other peaks in the region, including Mount Wilis, Mount Ungup-Ungup, Mount Arjuno Welirang, and Bukit Sariwani. Authorities have confirmed that no fatalities or resident casualties have been recorded in connection with the disaster.
Mount Semeru Hit Hardest Amid Difficult Terrain and Equipment Issues
Mount Semeru has suffered the most extensive damage, with flames consuming an estimated 1,888.91 hectares since the fire was first reported on August 26, 2026. The blazes have affected the Blok Ranukembang area in Desa Ranupane, Senduro Subdistrict, Lumajang, stretching to Pos 1 of the climbing route and the western side of Ranu Kumbolo in Desa Ngadas, Poncokusumo Subdistrict, Malang.
Efforts to control the Semeru fire have faced severe obstacles due to extremely steep cliff slopes and strong winds that accelerate the spread of flames. Furthermore, the provincial government’s PK-DAP waterbombing helicopter was forced out of service and grounded at Lanud Abdulrachman Saleh in Malang due to electrical system damage and bucket equipment issues. While awaiting the return of aerial support, joint teams have relied on manual firefighting methods and firebreaks, as reported by Rakyat Merdeka. The Balai Besar Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru (TNBTS) responded to the safety hazards by completely closing climbing activities on Mount Semeru until further notice.
Multiple Peaks Under Siege Across East Java
In addition to Semeru, fires have broken out across several other prominent locations: * Mount Bromo: A fire struck the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in Ngadisari Village, Probolinggo, where waterbombing helicopters were deployed for aerial operations, according to Tempo. * Mount Lemongan: A fire burned approximately five hectares of land in Lumajang before being extinguished, with local forestry officials suspecting human negligence originating outside the forest area. * Mount Argopuro and Ijen: The Yang Highlands wildlife sanctuary near Argopuro and the Ijen Crater Nature Reserve reported hotspots, with cooling and mopping-up operations underway at Ijen, which forced the temporary closure of the Ijen Crater Nature Tourism Park. * Mount Raung: A fire at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level prompted a correction from the Geological Agency, which clarified that white smoke on the slopes originated from wildfires rather than volcanic activity. * Mount Wilis, Mount Ungup-Ungup, and Mount Butak: Fires impacted local regencies including Nganjuk, Kediri, Banyuwangi, Bondowoso, and Malang, where ground teams mobilized to deploy manual spraying and create fire lines.
Authorities Cite Human Negligence and Urge Caution
Officials have emphasized that human activity is the driving factor behind the widespread outbreaks. Eny Handayani, Deputy Administrator of the Bondowoso Forest Management Unit (KPH) of Perum Perhutani, stated that while perpetrators and evidence are difficult to track down in every forest fire case, the cause is definitely human negligence.
Similarly, authorities patrolling the Argopuro and Ijen areas noted the discovery of animal snares and campfire remnants indicating illegal climber activity, though formal analysis of causes will follow the complete extinguishing of the fires.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and local disaster management agencies (BPBD) continue to coordinate multi-agency responses involving TNI, Polri, Manggala Agni, and volunteers. Officials have issued strict public appeals urging residents and tourists living near forest and mountain zones to refrain from activities that generate sparks or clear land through burning.
