Indonesian officials have closed Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java due to a rapidly expanding wildfire near Mount Bromo. The blaze, which has nearly tripled in size, is burning through thick forest and steep terrain, complicating firefighting efforts.

The park operator announced on Saturday, August 9th, 2026, that all visitors are barred from entering the park, which is located near an active volcano that regularly attracts tourists. Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, the park chief, stated that the closure will remain in effect until further notice.

“This closure is a crucial step to maintain safety of visitors, staff and people in the surrounding areas,” the park operator said on its Instagram page, adding that those who have already purchased tickets during the closure period may seek refunds.

Indonesia is facing an unusually intense dry season this year, partly attributed to the El Nino weather pattern, which causes warmer sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, according to the Indonesian weather agency BMKG.

In a previous incident, a wildfire burned more than 500 hectares (1,235 acres) of land on Mount Bromo after a couple ignited a flare during a wedding photo shoot.

The wildfire situation is part of a broader pattern of fires globally, with thousands evacuated in Western Canada, over 20,000 fleeing wildfires in British Columbia, and at least 200 people evacuated near Lake Garda.

Sources