Indonesia faces escalating wildfire crisis during dry season

Indonesia is currently experiencing a significant wildfire crisis, exacerbated by an unusually dry season. On August 9, 2026, authorities reported that wildfires have been spreading across the country, with the most severe incident occurring in Mount Bromo, located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java province. This popular tourist destination has seen approximately 176 hectares (435 acres) burned, prompting the closure of the park to visitors. The park chief, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, announced that the closure would remain in effect until further notice as efforts to contain the blaze continue.

In response to the growing threat, Indonesia has mobilized hundreds of firefighters, disaster management personnel, police, soldiers, park rangers, and volunteers to combat the fires. Helicopters and drones have been deployed to assist in firefighting efforts, while crews have constructed firebreaks to prevent further spread of the flames. However, the challenging terrain, particularly the steep volcanic slopes, has complicated these efforts, making it difficult for ground crews to access some hotspots.

The current wildfire situation is not isolated to Mount Bromo. Other regions in Indonesia are also facing similar challenges. For instance, a forest and land fire broke out in Central Java's Banyumas Regency, triggered by land-clearing activities, which rapidly spread due to the dry conditions. Additionally, a fire in West Java's Suryakencana Meadow area of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park has led to the temporary closure of hiking trails in the area. The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency has indicated that strong winds and extremely dry vegetation are accelerating the spread of these fires.

The underlying causes of these wildfires are linked to the El Niño weather pattern, which has intensified the risk of fires across various parts of the country. Seasonal dry winds from Australia have further contributed to the dry conditions, making the environment more susceptible to wildfires. Historically, forest fires on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo often occur during dry spells, with many fires ignited illegally by plantation owners or traditional farmers clearing land for agricultural purposes. These fires not only threaten local ecosystems but also contribute to hazardous haze that can affect air quality across Southeast Asia.