Wildfires have re-emerged across several areas in the Mount Arjuno-Welirang region on Friday evening (10/16/2026), with visible flames and smoke glowing intensely even from the Malang Toll Gate entrance.
Dhimas Caraka, Head of Resort 03 Pasuruan within the Raden Soerjo Forest Park (Tahura R. Soerjo), confirmed that a major hotspot was detected in the Gumandar Block of Mount Arjuno. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters above sea level (masl), the affected area falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Jatiarjo Village, Prigen District.
The hotspot along the slopes of Mount Arjuno was first observed on Thursday afternoon (10/15) and has continued to burn intensely. In response, a joint force of Tahura personnel and local volunteers dispatched an overland firefighting crew to suppress the flames. A total of 11 personnel—comprising four Tahura officers and seven volunteers—have been deployed directly to the scene.
“The wildfire remains massive. Ground operations to extinguish the blaze are currently ongoing,” Dhimas stated.
Simultaneously, a separate fire broke out on Mount Ringgit within the state forestry management area (Perhutani). Munawar, Administrator of KPH Pasuruan, explained that the fire affected the forest region in Dayurejo Village, Prigen District, at an elevation of 900 masl. Perhutani officers alongside volunteers are actively working on-site to control and contain the blaze.
Mount Arjuno-Welirang, an active volcanic complex spanning Malang, Pasuruan, Mojokerto, and Batu in East Java, frequently faces recurring forest and land fires (Karhutla) during dry spells. The region’s steep topography, combined with dense dry vegetation and unpredictable mountain winds, presents severe challenges for ground teams attempting to deploy water lines or construct firebreaks.
Local emergency management authorities (BPBD) continuously warn that high-altitude wildfires threaten the delicate ecosystem of Tahura Raden Soerjo, which serves as a vital water catchment zone for surrounding regencies. Authorities urge surrounding communities, hikers, and agricultural workers to refrain from open burning and report any signs of smoke immediately to prevent further environmental damage.
