Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority (TNBTS) has announced a 10-day closure of hiking trails on Mount Semeru from August 17 to 26, 2025. The closure was to honor the observance of the Karo Festive Day, a sacred cultural celebration of the local Tenggerese community.
“All hiking activities on Mount Semeru will be fully suspended from Sunday, August 17, through Tuesday, August 26. Trails will reopen on August 27,” said Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, head of the TNBTS office, during a press briefing in Malang, East Java, on Wednesday (July 15).
The decision was formalized in Announcement No. PG.11/T.8/TU/HMS.01.08/B/07/2025, issued by the park authority on July 15. It follows a request from the head of Ranupani village, outlined in a letter dated July 10, seeking permission to temporarily close the trail in respect of the annual religious observance.
Teherefore, the final day for hikers to begin their ascent is Saturday, August 16 with all climbers must descend and exit via Ranupani village by no later than 4:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, August 17.
“This measure is not only a matter of safety but also a sign of respect for the sacred traditions of the Tenggerese people,” Rudijanta emphasized. “Let’s preserve and honor local culture by following the established rules.”
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Despite the closure of Semeru’s summit trail, tourist visits and camping activities at nearby Ranu Regulo remain open to the public. Tickets for permitted destinations can still be booked through the official site: bromotenggersemeru.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id.
TNBTS spokesperson Endrip Wahyutama said park rangers will be stationed at entry points during the closure to prevent unauthorized climbers from attempting to ascend Semeru during the restricted period.
“To prevent illegal trekking, we have deployed officers at trail access points,” Endrip said.
He also clarified that ticket sales for Semeru hikes during the closure dates have not been opened. “No one has been issued a permit for those dates. Everything is secure, and the quota has not been released,” he added.
(Raidi/Agung)
