Indonesia’s Mount Bromo tourist access points closed indefinitely after fire

Several tourist access points in Indonesia’s Mount Bromo area in East Java were indefinitely closed on Friday after a fire broke out in the Pengol Savanna, according to Anadolu Ajansi, citing a state-run news agency. Park authorities assessed the safety of the affected site and decided not to reopen the area. While tourists can still access Mount Bromo up to the Sea of Sand, entry through Cemorolawang and Wonokitri remains open. The Lembah Watangan Savanna remains closed. The park can accommodate a maximum of 2,752 tourists.

Meanwhile, joint teams are combating a forest fire in East Java’s Meru Betiri National Park, which has consumed 72 hectares since Tuesday. Jember Regional Agency for Disaster Countermeasures chief Edy Budi Susilo stated that the fire has not been fully extinguished due to strong winds that have pushed flames within 100 meters of nearby settlements.

Smoke from the blaze has caused breathing difficulties and eye irritation among residents, leading officials to distribute masks. Although the fire was put out on Thursday evening, new hotspots were discovered in the eastern part of the forest.