Mount Bromo shut to tourists as wildfire spreads across caldera
Indonesia closes Mount Bromo national park as a wildfire, burning since Monday, expands across the caldera area.
Indonesia has suspended all tourist activity at Mount Bromo national park in East Java as a wildfire continues to spread through the region. The closure took effect on Saturday evening, with park authorities saying it will remain in place for an unspecified period.
The blaze, which started on Monday, has now scorched roughly 176 hectares of land within the park, a significant jump from the 60 hectares reported on Thursday. The fire is concentrated in the caldera area of Mount Bromo, an active volcano known for its distinctive "sand sea" and a major draw for visitors.
In a statement on its official Instagram page, the park operator described the closure as a critical measure to protect the safety of tourists, staff, and nearby residents. Those who have already purchased entry tickets will be allowed to reschedule their visits or request a full refund.
To combat the fire, East Java's disaster mitigation agency has deployed water-bombing helicopters and drones equipped for water spraying. Social media footage shared by the park operator shows flames moving across the mountain's slopes overnight.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and no casualties have been reported so far.