Indonesian firefighters have largely contained a wildfire that consumed nearly 900 hectares (2,224 acres) of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park on Java island. Authorities reported that crews are still battling several remaining hot spots within the popular tourist destination.
The blaze, which began last week, has burned large swaths of dry grassland, vegetation, and protected edelweiss flowers. The Mount Bromo area, a well-known Indonesian attraction, has been closed to visitors as efforts continue to prevent the fire's spread within the conservation zone. Four active hot spots are currently being managed by ground and aerial teams in the Watangan, Argowulan, Dingklik-Pakis, and Bincil-Mungal areas.
Widespread Wildfire Crisis
The Mount Bromo fire is occurring amidst a broader wildfire crisis in Indonesia during the nation's dry season. As of Monday, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that approximately 48,900 hectares (121,000 acres) of peatland have burned across six fire-prone provinces. West Kalimantan on Borneo island has seen the largest affected area.
In Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, the deterioration of air quality to unhealthy levels has led to the suspension of in-person school classes. Health officials have also noted an increase in respiratory illnesses.
Indonesia has intensified firefighting operations across Sumatra and Borneo islands, deploying over 35 aircraft, including water-bombing helicopters and patrol planes. These aerial efforts are supporting ground operations, particularly in peatland areas where fires can smolder underground for extended periods and reignite.
Peatland fires are a significant source of dense smoke that contributes to hazardous haze, negatively impacting air quality and increasing health risks. Satellite imagery has shown smoke plumes drifting from West Kalimantan into neighboring Malaysia on multiple occasions this month.
Forest and peat fires are an annual occurrence in Indonesia, frequently linked to illegal land clearing by plantation owners and traditional farmers. These fires can cause hazardous haze to spread across parts of Southeast Asia, affecting relations with neighboring countries.