Indonesia Shuts Mount Bromo to Tourists as Wildfire Spreads

Indonesian authorities have closed Mount Bromo National Park in East Java to all tourist activities as a wildfire continues to spread across the area.

The closure took effect on Saturday evening and will remain in place indefinitely, according to the park’s operator. Authorities said the decision was made to protect tourists, staff and residents in surrounding communities.

The fire, which started on Monday, has now burned approximately 176 hectares (435 acres) of land around Mount Bromo’s caldera, expanding significantly from about 60 hectares recorded on Thursday.

Mount Bromo is an active volcano and one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions, particularly known for its spectacular “sand sea” caldera.

East Java’s disaster management agency said authorities have deployed water-bombing helicopters and water-spraying drones to support firefighting operations.

Videos released by the park operator showed flames spreading across the mountain slopes overnight.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the wildfire. No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Tourists who had already purchased entrance tickets will be allowed to reschedule their visits or request refunds.

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