Malang, East Java (ANTARA) – All 170 hikers stranded on Mount Semeru in East Java have been safely evacuated after a forest fire broke out near the volcano’s primary trekking route, local authorities confirmed Thursday.
The blaze, located in the mountain’s Ranu Kembang area, prompted the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Office to immediately close all hiking trails until further notice.
Endrip Wahyutama, head of public relations for the national park, confirmed that all registered climbers have descended the mountain.
The group had been camping at Ranu Kumbolo—the sole designated campsite on Semeru—when the fire began.
Local park rangers alongside certified local guides were deployed along the trail to assist hikers during the descent.
“Currently, all 170 climbers are in the process of descending and are being accompanied by guides. Everyone is safe and in good condition,” Wahyutama said.
Park officials officially enacted the trail closure on Wednesday to prioritize visitor safety and clear the area for firefighting operations. The fire originated in a forested zone close to the main ascent path, making immediate evacuation necessary.
Park management announced that affected visitors will be offered full ticket refunds or the option to reschedule their treks once conditions are deemed safe.
Nearby tourism in the Ranu Regulo area remains open, and local transport routes between the cities of Malang and Lumajang remain unaffected by the fire.
Mount Semeru, standing at 3,676 meters (12,060 feet), is the highest peak on Indonesia’s densely populated island of Java and a major destination for international and domestic trekkers.
Translator: Ananto Pradana, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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