Mount Bromo Fires: Indonesia warns of strict penalties for violators

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Anyone found illegally burning forests or land will receive appropriate punishment,

Malang, E. Java (ANTARA) – Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has asked law enforcement authorities to investigate the cause of forest and land fires affecting the Mount Bromo area in East Java, warning of strict penalties for violators.

“We are handing over the investigation to law enforcement,” Antoni said at a press conference in the Mount Bromo area on Sunday, amid suspicions that the fires may have been deliberately started.

He emphasized that law enforcement agencies are committed to taking firm action against anyone found guilty of illegal activities that cause forest and land fires.

“Anyone found illegally burning forests or land will receive appropriate punishment,” he said.

Earlier on Friday (August 7), the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Center reported that human activity was suspected to have caused the fires after authorities identified the initial hotspot in the Bantengan Block.

The area includes a traditional route connecting Arjosari Village to Ranu Pani, where travelers may have lit fires to cope with low temperatures and then failed to fully extinguish them before leaving.

Antoni warned that the ongoing dry season, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, has increased the risk of fires across forested areas.

“Once again, please do not play with fire,” Antoni urged, appealing to the public to refrain from lighting fires in forest conservation areas.

During his visit, Antoni inspected water-bombing helicopter operations in Probolinggo Regency alongside East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak and local government officials.