Enviro News Asia, Mataram — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, through the Forest and Land Fire Control Center for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, in coordination with the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement, the Forest Management Unit (KPH) Region II of West Nusa Tenggara, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the National Police, has successfully extinguished a forest fire that swept through the savanna area of Bukit Sempana in Sembalun Bumbung Village, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. During the operation, authorities also evacuated 25 hikers and visitors to prevent exposure to the advancing flames.
The fire affected approximately 282 hectares of protected forest under the jurisdiction of KPH Region II. The burned area consisted primarily of savanna grasslands, shrubs, and pine trees, with surface fires occurring on mineral soils across steep mountainous terrain. As of June 11, 2026, authorities declared the fire fully extinguished.
Firefighting efforts faced significant challenges due to rugged mountain slopes, fog, and winds reaching around 12 kilometers per hour. Despite these conditions, members of the Manggala Agni forest fire brigade and joint response teams conducted suppression, patrols, mopping-up operations, and visitor protection measures to prevent the blaze from spreading and threatening public safety.
The fire was first detected on June 9 at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time, originating from the Swela Pringabaya area before spreading toward Bukit Sempana. Initial suppression efforts were undertaken by personnel from the Sembalun Resort until nightfall, but limited manpower, logistical constraints, difficult terrain, and darkness hampered operations.
Following notification from KPH Region II, the Section III team of the Java-Bali-Nusa Tenggara Forest Fire Control Center mobilized at 8:19 p.m. and arrived at the Sembalun Resort shortly before 11:00 p.m. The following day, joint teams resumed operations, carrying firefighting equipment including jet shooters, beaters, machetes, and field gear. Upon reaching the foothills of Bukit Sempana, crews dispersed to active hotspots and conducted direct suppression.
Additional firefighting operations were carried out on June 11 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., ultimately extinguishing the remaining hotspots before the flames could spread further.
Head of the Java-Bali-Nusa Tenggara Forest Fire Control Center, Bambang Setyo Antoko, said the operation focused on halting the fire’s advance while ensuring the safety of visitors in the area.
“Bukit Sempana presents difficult terrain. Teams had to navigate steep savanna slopes, assess wind conditions, cut off the fire’s path, and conduct thorough patrols to ensure no embers reignited. At the same time, we evacuated 25 hikers to prevent risks posed by changing wind patterns and fire movement,” Bambang said.
He added that post-fire monitoring continues through Sipongi, the Ministry of Forestry’s national hotspot monitoring system.
“Sipongi is a vital tool for early detection. It enables us to identify fire indications quickly, respond promptly, and prevent small incidents from escalating into larger disasters,” he explained.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Preliminary information suggests that illegal hunting activities may have contributed to the incident.
“We are examining these indications together with relevant institutions. If the fire was indeed caused by illegal hunting activities, it represents a serious concern because the consequences extend beyond environmental damage and also threaten the safety of hikers, local communities, and field personnel,” Bambang emphasized.
Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho stressed that controlling forest fires is essential to protecting both ecosystems and communities. He highlighted the role of Manggala Agni as the country’s frontline force in forest fire response.
“Manggala Agni personnel are the state’s spearhead in combating forest fires. They operate in difficult environments with limited access to prevent larger-scale destruction. The Ministry of Forestry continues to strengthen rapid response mechanisms, field coordination, hotspot monitoring, and public awareness efforts to ensure fires are contained at an early stage,” he said.
Januanto noted that the forests of Sembalun possess significant ecological and social value for the people of West Nusa Tenggara, making collective responsibility essential.
“Protecting these forests means safeguarding water resources, local livelihoods, landscapes, and public safety. While the state is present through Manggala Agni and joint response teams, community participation remains critical. Responsible use of fire, vigilance in the field, and early reporting are key to preventing larger forest fires,” he said.
The Ministry of Forestry called on local governments, security forces, forest managers, surrounding communities, and visitors to strengthen vigilance against forest fire risks. Early awareness, rapid reporting, and strict avoidance of ignition sources are considered crucial steps to preserving forests and ensuring public safety. (*)
