Bromo Mountain Fire Reaches 899 Hectare, Joint Team Still Struggling to Put Out Fire

Araip Photo - The grassland area in the Bromo Mountain area, East Java is affected by forest and land fires (karhutla). ANTARA/Ananto Pradana

MALANG - The Commander of the Forest and Land Fire Handling Sector (Karhutla) of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS), Colonel Inf Wahyu Ramadhanus Suryawan, stated that a joint team was handling the handling of fires in the Bromo Mountain area, East Java, an area of 899.35 hectares.

"The fire, which started on August 3, 2026, is estimated to have affected an area of 899.35 hectares," said Wahyu, who is also the Danrem 083/Baladhika Jaya, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 11.

The extinguishing operation was carried out in an integrated manner between cross-sectoral sectors, including ministries, the TNI, the National Police, and four local governments, namely Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Malang, and Lumajang Regencies.

His party ensured that fire control efforts were also successful, so that it did not increase the affected area.

"Currently, the focus of intervention is to leave active fire points, namely in Watangan 817.342 hectares, Argowulan 25.393 hectares, and Dingklik, Pakis Bincil, Mungal 56.65 hectares," he said.

However, he said, efforts to extinguish the fire have challenges, such as wind and drought factors.

Then, due to the thick fog factor which caused the limited visibility of the pilot of the water bomber helicopter during the implementation of the fire from the air side.

"Today we are optimizing two helicopter units for water bombing from the previous three units, adjusting to the dynamics of the weather and the pilot's visual on the ground. Our priority is to cut off the diversion path so that it does not spread to new vegetation areas," he said.

Based on the initial analysis that has been carried out, the trigger for the fire is so small if it is associated with natural factors, given the characteristics in the Bromo area still have a certain level of humidity, even though the current weather is dry.

"The next step to ensure that the fire does not re-ignite, the integrated post under the responsibility of Dandim 0820/Probolinggo Lieutenant Colonel Inf Ribut Yodo Aprianto has drawn up a follow-up plan, namely periodic integrated patrols, joint personnel stationing, public information management," he said.