The local authorities also reminded the tourists that the mountain ‘is not a dumpster’.
The Great Hall of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) announced on Tuesday, the 2nd of April, that Mount Bromo will be closed for tourists leading up to and after the Eid al-Fitr public holiday. The shutdown will take place from the 4th of April until the 5th of April, and again from the 25th of April until the 26th of April.
According to the head of administration of the Great Hall of the TNBTS, Septi Eka Wardhani, the purpose of the temporary closure of Mount Bromo is to rehabilitate the mountain from waste that has occupied the area — especially the parts of the mountain most frequented and populated by visiting tourists. Wardhani also clarified that this decision was based on a discussion with other related stakeholders such as travel agents, merchants, youth groups, and the local community.
“This [temporary closure] is a manifestation of a responsibility shared by all elements of the public including management, local authorities, the local community, and tourism-related key players occupying Mount Bromo,” Wardhani asserted.
Waste pile-up has become a major issue in Mount Bromo, Wardhani further noted. The inorganic waste, such as plastic bottles and plastic wraps, make up the majority of the waste that has plagued the mountain area — regardless of the Great Hall’s claim that they have always informed visiting tourists to mind their waste and recycle as instructed.
“We implore everyone to be smart and responsible tourists — by not throwing away their waste recklessly. If necessary, please bring home your waste with you. TNBTS [including Mount Bromo] is not a dumpster. This appeal also goes to all related stakeholders and the public,” Wardhani added.
Located in East Java, Mount Bromo has enjoyed a rise in popularity in recent years after being included as one of the ten Top-Priority tourism destinations by the national government back in the year 2016, the volcanic mountain later being billed as the “New Bali“. According to the Great Hall of the TNBTS, 368,507 domestic and foreign tourists visited Mount Bromo back in the year 2023, contributing to at least Rp14.70 billion worth of non-tax state income for Indonesia.