A forest area on Mount Bungkus, Badegan District, Ponorogo Regency, was struck by a major fire on Tuesday night (7/7/2026). The incident, captured on amateur video by local residents, sparked widespread attention after flames were seen glowing brightly on the mountain slope during the night.
Sumoroto Forest Management Unit (BKPH) Assistant Manager, Marjuki Wiyono, confirmed that the fire consumed Plot 120 of the Badegan Forest Management Resort (RPH). Based on field surveys, the affected forest area is estimated at 3.2 hectares.
According to Marjuki's explanation, hotspots were actually monitored starting Tuesday afternoon. The fire predominantly burned dry teak leaf litter accumulated on the forest floor due to a prolonged dry season. Although the fire grew larger, he assured that productive teak stands over five years old did not suffer fatal damage.
Extinction efforts were carried out jointly by a combined team immediately after receiving public reports. Thanks to the prompt response of officials, the flames were fully subdued by nightfall. As of Wednesday morning, field teams remain on standby conducting intensive monitoring to anticipate new hotspots arising from hot weather and strong winds.
To date, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities. Perhutani has reiterated a strict appeal for the public to refrain from indiscriminate land-burning activities near forest areas to prevent material loss and broader ecosystem damage.
