Indonesia has closed all entrances to Mount Bromo and suspended tourism activities until further notice as a wildfire continues to spread across the Bromo Caldera in East Java.
The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) authority said the closure took effect at 10 pm on Saturday to allow firefighting operations to continue and protect visitors.
The closure covers entrances at Cemorolawang in Probolinggo, Wonokitri in Pasuruan, Jemplang and Coban Trisula in Malang, and Senduro in Lumajang.
Visitors who bought tickets online for the affected period can reschedule their visits or request refunds, the park authority said.
The wildfire, which began on Monday, has since burned an estimated 176.2 hectares across Probolinggo and Malang regencies, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre head Abdul Muhari said a hotspot was still emitting smoke on Saturday night, while teams continued monitoring the area as moderate winds persisted.
Two helicopters, each capable of carrying 1,000 litres of water, have also been deployed to support firefighting operations.
While crews continue efforts at Bromo, a separate forest and land fire at Mount Rinjani National Park in East Lombok has been brought under control.
The blaze, which affected about 30 hectares in the Sembalun Resort area, started at about 8 pm on Friday and was contained at around 1:30 am on Saturday.
Authorities are still investigating the causes of both fires.
