HARIANEXPRESS – A forest fire in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park has expanded, nearing Malang Regency after burning approximately 10 hectares of vegetation. (5/8/2026)
The blaze originated in the Bukit Jantur (Bantengan) area within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) and has now extended its reach. Joint teams are actively working to control the inferno, which has consumed about 10 hectares of mountainous flora.
The Malang Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that the fire was first detected on Monday, August 3, 2026, in the Bukit Jantur area, administratively part of Probolinggo Regency. By Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the fire remained active and was advancing closer to the Malang Regency border.
“The fire’s position is indeed still in Probolinggo Regency territory, but it is very close to Malang Regency, so we continue to monitor it with the joint team,” said Sadono Irawan (Head of Emergency and Logistics Division of BPBD Malang Regency).
Sadono further stated that the fire is now only about 500 meters away from Malang Regency’s administrative boundary when measured via land routes. The affected vegetation includes mountain pines, mentigen, acacia, and various shrubs.
Clear to partly cloudy weather conditions, coupled with winds blowing westward, are contributing to the fire’s movement across the mountain slopes. Firefighting efforts are being conducted via ground routes, employing firebreaks and water spraying from a TNBTS fire truck.
However, these operations face significant challenges due to the steep and difficult-to-reach terrain where the fire is burning. Sadono emphasized that the primary obstacle is the inaccessible terrain, which prevents maximum extinguishing efforts.
The BPBD has identified an urgent need for additional water tanker vehicles to support the ongoing suppression activities. One water tanker from the East Java Provincial BPBD is scheduled to assist by sourcing water from Ranupane.
To ensure visitor safety, the TNBTS Center has temporarily closed access to Bromo tourism through Pos Jemplang in Ngadas Village, Poncokusumo District. Various entities are involved in handling the emergency, including BPBD East Java Province, BPBD Malang Regency, BPBD Probolinggo Regency, TNBTS, TNI, Polri, Muspika Poncokusumo, Ngadas Village officials, Masyarakat Peduli Api, and volunteers.
