The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Great Hall (BB TNBTS) has issued a policy to completely close the Mount Semeru climbing route from August 7 to 18, 2026. This strategic decision was made out of respect for the execution of the Karo Holiday, a sacred annual celebration of the indigenous Tengger community centered in Ranupani Village, Lumajang Regency.
The Head of BB TNBTS, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, explained that the last climbers are allowed to start their journey on August 6, 2026. All climbing groups must return to the starting point in Ranupani no later than August 7, 2026, at 16:00 WIB. Climbing access is planned to reopen normally on August 19, 2026, through the official online registration system.
The request for this closure was submitted directly by the Ranupani Village Government so that the series of traditional rituals, such as Tayub, Santi, Andon Mangan, and Barikan, can run solemnly without the hindrance of tourism activities. In addition to spiritual aspects, this policy aims to ensure the security and order of the area during the cultural procession, while preventing conflicts of interest between climbing activities and traditional practices.
Although the main climbing route is closed, the management emphasized that the tourist area and the camping ground around Ranu Regulo remain open and operate normally for visitors. For climbers whose schedules coincide with the closure period, BB TNBTS provides rescheduling facilities, the technical details of which will be communicated directly via text message to each group leader.
