{"id":12085,"date":"2026-10-30T14:02:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T07:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/student-activity.binus.ac.id\/tfi\/?p=12085"},"modified":"2026-11-01T14:06:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-01T07:06:26","slug":"the-impact-of-repeated-wildfires-on-bromos-fragile-ecosystem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/student-activity.binus.ac.id\/tfi\/2026\/10\/the-impact-of-repeated-wildfires-on-bromos-fragile-ecosystem\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Repeated Wildfires on Bromo’s Fragile Ecosystem"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mount Bromo.<\/strong> Photography by Fabio Nodari for his blog.<\/p>\n

Mount Bromo is widely known for its sea of sand, sunrise viewpoints, and expansive savanna across the caldera. However, in 2026, parts of this landscape were affected by wildfires. The first fire was detected on 3 August in the Jantur and Bantengan Hill areas of Probolinggo before spreading toward Malang and Pasuruan. Preliminary data from the local disaster management agency estimated that approximately 921 hectares had been burned by 12 August (Nugraha, 2026). Another wildfire was detected in September, making it the second major fire to affect the Bromo area in approximately five weeks (Boediwardhana, 2026). Together with the 2023 savanna fire, these incidents raise an important question: how much repeated burning can this fragile ecosystem withstand?<\/p>\n

Why Bromo Is So Vulnerable<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Savanna in Mount Bromo.<\/strong> Photography by Istimewa for Detik Jatim.<\/p>\n

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers more than 50,000 hectares and is home to over 1,000 plant species. Beyond its ecological importance, the area also holds spiritual and cultural significance for the Tengger community, whose traditions are closely connected to the surrounding landscape (“Analysis of the Impact,” n.d.).<\/p>\n

The vegetation affected by the August 2026 fire included mountain pine, acacia, and dense shrubs (Nugraha, 2026). Much of the Bromo landscape consists of open savanna and steep caldera slopes rather than dense rainforest. During the dry season, vegetation can become dry and more susceptible to ignition. Strong winds can then carry flames across exposed slopes and grasslands, making fires difficult to contain. These conditions contributed to the spread of the August wildfire and complicated firefighting efforts (“Indonesia’s Mount Bromo Wildfire,” 2026; Ministry of Forestry, 2026).<\/p>\n

The Damage Goes Beyond Burned Grass<\/p>\n

The effects of a wildfire extend beyond the vegetation visibly damaged by flames. Fires can destroy plant habitats and threaten animals that cannot escape in time. Once vegetation cover is lost, exposed soil may also become more vulnerable to erosion, particularly on steep slopes during periods of heavy rainfall.<\/p>\n

The 2023 Bromo fire illustrates how extensive these consequences can be. The fire was triggered by a flare used during a pre-wedding photo shoot. A remote-sensing study estimated that approximately 1,487 hectares were affected. The study also reported that a 13-day tourism closure was associated with an 80% decline in hotel occupancy and that sacred sites belonging to the Tengger community were affected (“Analysis of the Impact,” n.d.).<\/p>\n

However, the estimated burned area differs between sources. The remote-sensing study reported approximately 1,487 hectares, while the Environment and Forestry Minister cited an official estimate of 989 hectares in September 2023 (Sari, 2023). These figures come from different sources and assessments, so they should not be treated as identical measurements. Nevertheless, both indicate that the fire caused substantial damage to the area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Figure 1.<\/strong> Estimated burned areas in recent Mount Bromo wildfires. Source: author’s compilation based on Sari (2023), Nugraha (2026), and VolcanoDiscovery (2026). Estimates may differ depending on the source and assessment method.<\/p>\n

The Problem of Repeated Fires<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Wildfire flames and smoke rise above the forest in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Photography: AFP for Asia News Network<\/span><\/p>\n

Mount Bromo has shown signs of natural recovery after previous fires. Approximately one month after the 2023 incident, reports described the burned savanna beginning to turn green again (Aminudin, 2023). However, the return of green grass does not necessarily mean that the entire ecosystem has recovered.<\/p>\n

Different parts of an ecosystem recover at different rates. Grass may begin growing again relatively quickly under suitable conditions, but shrubs and trees can take much longer to regenerate. Wildlife populations and habitats may also require extended periods to recover. Repeated fires can interrupt these processes, especially when another fire occurs before vegetation and habitats have had sufficient time to recover.<\/p>\n

The August and September 2026 wildfires, following the major fire in 2023, highlight the recurring fire risk in the Bromo area. Although the full ecological effects of these incidents require further assessment, repeated disturbances may place additional pressure on an ecosystem that is already vulnerable during the dry season.<\/p>\n

The Human Factor<\/strong><\/p>\n

The exact cause of the August 2026 wildfire had not been officially confirmed in the reports cited in this article. However, authorities reportedly suspected human negligence because the initial flames were detected near a route used by visitors (“Indonesia’s Mount Bromo Wildfire,” 2026). Early reports also mentioned the possibility of a campfire left behind by hikers (Bernama, 2026). These explanations should be treated as reported suspicions rather than confirmed findings.<\/p>\n

The 2023 incident provides another example of how human activities can trigger serious environmental damage. A flare used during a pre-wedding photo shoot ignited the savanna, resulting in a large wildfire. Both incidents highlight the risks of using fire in dry and environmentally sensitive areas. Even a small source of ignition can develop into a much larger emergency when vegetation is dry and winds are strong.<\/p>\n

What Can Be Done?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Firefighters attempting to extinguish the fires.<\/strong> Photography by East Java Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency for South China Morning Post.<\/p>\n

Preventing future wildfires requires cooperation between park authorities, visitors, and local communities. Several measures could help reduce the risk of another major fire.<\/p>\n

First, visitor regulations should be enforced consistently. Activities that can cause fires, such as lighting campfires, using flares, and carelessly discarding cigarette butts, should be strictly prohibited. When the park reopened on 20 August 2026 after a 13-day closure, authorities maintained a daily visitor quota of 2,752 people and introduced fire-prevention requirements for visitors (ANTARA, 2026). These measures are important, but their effectiveness depends on consistent enforcement and public cooperation.<\/p>\n

Second, patrols and hotspot monitoring should be strengthened, particularly along popular tourist routes during the dry season. Early detection can help authorities respond before a fire spreads across a larger area. This is especially important in Bromo, where steep terrain and limited access can make ground-based firefighting more difficult (Traveler’s Today, 2026).<\/p>\n

Third, local Tengger communities should be actively involved in fire-prevention efforts. Their knowledge of the landscape can support monitoring, early reporting, and public awareness. Providing appropriate training and support could strengthen cooperation between local residents and park authorities.<\/p>\n

Finally, restoration efforts should consider the ecological characteristics of the affected areas. Prioritizing suitable native vegetation and monitoring the recovery of plants and wildlife can help support the ecosystem’s long-term resilience. Restoration should be guided by ecological assessments to ensure that recovery efforts are appropriate for each affected area.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mount Bromo’s ecosystem has demonstrated an ability to recover from wildfires, but repeated incidents create additional challenges for its long-term health. The fires in 2023 and 2026 show that the consequences extend beyond burned vegetation, affecting wildlife habitats, tourism, and the cultural landscape of the Tengger community. Although recovery is possible, preventing future fires is essential to reducing further damage. Visitors, park authorities, and local communities all share the responsibility of protecting this fragile and culturally significant landscape.<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n