The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority (BB TNBTS) successfully detained 13 hikers caught illegally entering the Mount Semeru area. This enforcement action resulted from two intensive monitoring operations conducted in Lumajang Regency and Malang Regency in mid-June 2026.
The first operation in the Ranupani area, Lumajang, caught two hikers attempting to infiltrate through the Ayek-Ayek trail. Despite trying to escape into local residents' plantations, they were eventually arrested thanks to local community members proactively reporting the suspicious activity to authorities.
Meanwhile, the second operation near the archaeological site in Mulyoasri Village, Ampelgading, Malang, caught 11 out of a total of 15 group members. Currently, a joint TNBTS team is conducting an intensive sweep around the forest area to track down the four remaining individuals, suspected to include two guides and a porter attempting to hide.
Head of BB TNBTS, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, emphasized that this decisive action was taken for public safety and the preservation of the conservation area. He reminded that Mount Semeru's current status still restricts hiking activities up to Ranu Kumbolo due to ongoing volcanic activity. The trail leading to the summit of Mahameru remains closed to the public.
The use of unofficial, unauthorized trails—such as the Candi Jawar area in Ampelgading—is considered extremely high risk. Records show these routes frequently lead to hikers getting lost or even triggering fatal accidents. Currently, the detained hikers are undergoing intensive investigation by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum LHK) for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara Region to determine sanctions in accordance with applicable laws.
