- El Nino conditions have strengthened, raising the risk of more forest and land fires during the peak dry season, according to Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago.
- Wildfires have broken out across Indonesia, particularly in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where the largest blaze is reported.
- The Mount Bromo blaze has spread to the Penanjakan area, scorching approximately 743 hectares (1,836 acres) of land.
- Authorities have closed the park to visitors until further notice to ensure safety.
- With cloud-seeding ruled out due to a lack of suitable clouds, officials are relying on water bombing and ground firefighting teams.
- The dry season has been unusually severe, with Indonesia’s forestry ministry reporting that more than 107,000 hectares of land caught fire nationwide between January and June this year, double the area burned in all of 2023.
- August and September are expected to be the most critical months for fire risk, as dry vegetation and strong winds create favorable conditions for rapid fire spread.
Indonesia is facing a severe wildfire crisis, with over 48,000 firefighters and disaster personnel deployed to combat blazes across the nation. The largest fire is in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where 743 hectares (1,836 acres) have been scorched, prompting the park's closure to visitors.3
The wildfires are fueled by intensified El Nino conditions, which have increased the risk of forest fires during the peak dry season. Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, noted that the 2026 dry season is expected to be even more intense, raising concerns about future wildfires and drought.126
As of Monday, wildfires have burned more than 107,000 hectares (264,000 acres) of land nationwide, double the area burned in all of 2023. The fires have devastated large areas of dry grassland, vegetation, and protected edelweiss flowers, particularly in the Penanjakan area, a popular tourist viewpoint.
Efforts to combat the fires are complicated by deep peat soil, limited water supplies, and strong winds. With cloud-seeding ruled out due to unfavorable weather, authorities are relying on water bombing and ground firefighting teams. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized the need for public cooperation to prevent new blazes, urging people to avoid activities that could spark fires.5
No injuries or evacuations have been reported so far, but the situation remains critical as firefighters continue their battle against the flames.
“The fire has scorched about 743 hectares in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, including protected edelweiss flowers, and spread to the Penanjakan viewpoint. Authorities have deployed over 48,000 firefighters and 43 helicopters nationwide, with cloud-seeding ruled out due to lack of suitable rain clouds.”
AP News
