Indonesia Temporarily Closes Access to Nine National Parks Amid Forest Fire Risk

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has temporarily closed access to nine national parks starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This is done as a precaution against the increased risk of forest and land fires during the peak of this year's dry season.

According to a statement issued by the country's Ministry of Forestry on Monday, August 31, 2026, the ministry has temporarily closed access to, or limited hiking activities in, several nature reserves and conservation areas across Indonesia. The policy, based on a circular issued on Monday, was adopted as a "proactive and measured step" to protect ecosystem integrity and ensure public safety.

The ministry’s Director General of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, explained that hiking access was not subject to a uniform policy. Instead, each location’s status was determined based on a comprehensive risk-mapping analysis. The parameters assessed included the area vulnerability, the potential accumulation of dry vegetation and other combustible material on the ground, ecological consequences, and the capacity to control fires in the field.

"Extremely dry weather during the dry season increases the accumulation of natural fuel along hiking trails, making human activity more likely to trigger fires. These access measures, whether limited openings or temporary closures, are a precautionary step by the government to prevent even the smallest potential fire while also ensuring visitor safety," he said.

Temporary closures have been imposed in areas classified as highly vulnerable. These include hiking routes on Mount Semeru in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java; Kerinci Seblat National Park in Jambi; and Mount Ciremai National Park and Mount Gede Pangrango National Park in West Java. Other national parks that have been closed include Tambora National Park in West Nusa Tenggara, Manusela National Park in Maluku, Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park in West Kalimantan, Gunung Leuser National Park in Aceh, and Lorentz National Park in West Papua.

Meanwhile, limited access has been introduced at several sites, with heightened supervision and restrictions to designated safe zones. These include Mount Rinjani National Park in West Nusa Tenggara, Mount Merbabu National Park in Central Java, the Hyang Highlands (Argopuro) Wildlife Reserve in East Java, and Mount Halimun Salak National Park in West Java.

In line with the policy, online ticket-booking services for locations under temporary closure have been suspended until conditions are declared safe again. However, those who completed payments before September 1, 2026, will retain their entitlement to the services, subject to applicable regulations and technical adjustments.

Meanwhile, previously scheduled tourism activities and events, such as the Merbabu Trail Run at Mount Merbabu National Park in Central Java, may still take place under full supervision and security provided by joint teams. Certain activities at Mount Merapi National Park in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Kerinci Seblat National Park may still take place under similar terms.

"This policy is dynamic and will continue to be evaluated periodically based on climate developments and the level of risk in the field. We call on all nature enthusiasts and members of the public to understand this measure and work together to protect the Indonesian landscape so that it remains safe and sustainable," Satyawan conveyed.