JAKARTA, Oct 18 — Indonesian authorities have restricted tourist access to the popular Penanjakan viewpoint at Mount Bromo in East Java as forest fires remain uncontrolled in parts of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
The park authority said the restrictions took effect at 9.30pm local time yesterday, limiting travel to the area as far as Lemah Pasar until further notice.
“All tourists, tourism operators, and members of the public are urged to comply with the restrictions and prioritise everyone’s safety,” they said in a notice posted on social media.
The authorities added that a fire broke out near Pusung Dawa in Probolinggo on Tuesday (October 13) and spread into the national park.
The blaze was brought under control the following day but reignited on Thursday (October 15), killing four firefighters and volunteers and leaving two others seriously injured.
Separately, the Forestry Ministry reported 270 high-confidence hotspots nationwide as of 9pm yesterday, with Central Kalimantan recording the highest number at 92.
