Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) in Lumajang Regency, East Java, has been hit by a major fire. The blaze has burned through a wide area, damaging endemic vegetation and disrupting the habitat of several wildlife species in the region.
Head of PTN Region III at TNBTS, Agus Kusuma Negara, confirmed that the fire swept through the Ayek-Ayek and Pangonan Cilik areas, burning approximately 160 hectares of land. Firefighting personnel are still facing significant challenges putting out the blaze, as the terrain in the area is quite steep and difficult to access.
“The fire has burned through the malelo grass. Beyond that, several animals have also been disturbed. Wildlife affected by the fire have migrated to forest areas that remain green,” Agus said on Sunday (August 30, 2026).
Impact on Flora and Fauna
Several impacts from the fire have already been identified, including the loss of malelo grass, an endemic plant species found in the TNBTS area, which has been burned in the blaze. Beyond that, various fauna, including quail, deer, and clouded leopards, have lost their habitat.
The fire has also disrupted wildlife migration patterns, forcing birds and other animals to relocate to unaffected forest areas to escape the thick smoke.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
As of now, a joint team consisting of TNBTS officers, the Lumajang Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian Military (TNI), and the National Police (Polri) remain on site working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
To speed up firefighting efforts, the joint team has deployed water-bombing helicopters to several locations that are difficult to reach from the ground. Beyond firefighting, officers have also been evacuating tourists from the affected area. A total of 170 hikers from Ranu Kumbolo have been evacuated to avoid the risks posed by the fire and thick smoke.
Alongside aerial firefighting efforts, manual firefighting operations are also continuing on the ground. The joint team has been building firebreaks and putting out flames using whatever equipment is available.
