Jakarta, September 1, 2026: Indonesia has introduced new restrictions on mountain trekking in several protected areas as authorities prepare for increased wildfire risks during the peak of the country’s 2026 dry season.

The Ministry of Forestry announced the measures on August 31, with the new rules taking effect from September 1. Authorities say the policy is designed to protect fragile ecosystems while reducing risks to visitors in areas where dry conditions could make fires more difficult to control.

High-Risk Mountains Temporarily Closed

Under the new risk-based system, trekking has been temporarily suspended in several conservation areas considered highly vulnerable to forest and land fires.

The restricted locations include parts of Mount Semeru, Kerinci Seblat, Mount Ciremai, Mount Tambora, Manusela, Bukit Baka Bukit Raya, Mount Gede Pangrango, Gunung Leuser and Lorentz National Parks.

The government said the closures are not being applied uniformly across the country. Instead, officials are assessing individual locations according to their fire vulnerability and local conditions.

Some Destinations Remain Open With Restrictions

Areas assessed as having a moderate level of risk will remain accessible under tighter controls.

These include Mount Rinjani, Mount Merbabu, Argopuro in the Hyang Highlands Wildlife Reserve and Mount Halimun Salak.

Visitors to these locations will face additional supervision and restrictions on the zones where trekking is permitted.

Weather Conditions Drive Decision

Forestry officials said exceptionally dry weather can increase the amount of combustible vegetation along mountain routes.

Human activity, including discarded materials or other potential sources of ignition, can then create additional fire risks.

The government therefore says limiting access during the most vulnerable periods is a precautionary measure intended to prevent small incidents from developing into larger forest fires.

Online Bookings Suspended at Closed Locations

Online ticket-booking services for temporarily closed trekking areas have been suspended until conditions improve.

However, people who completed their payments before September 1 will continue to receive service according to applicable arrangements and local operational conditions.

Previously scheduled events at selected locations may still proceed where authorities determine that sufficient safety and monitoring arrangements are available.

Authorities Increase Patrols

Park and conservation officials have been instructed to strengthen field patrols and increase checks of visitors’ belongings for items that could potentially cause fires.

The forestry authorities are also coordinating with local governments, disaster-management agencies, security forces and surrounding communities to improve preparedness.

Rules Will Be Reviewed as Conditions Change

Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry said the restrictions are dynamic and will be reviewed periodically according to weather conditions and the level of fire danger at individual sites.

The government is urging hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to respect the restrictions, arguing that temporary limits on tourism are necessary to protect Indonesia’s forests, biodiversity and visitor safety during the dry-season peak.

The measures highlight the growing importance of climate and fire-risk management for Indonesia’s popular mountain tourism sector.