The Ministry of Forestry, through the Mount Rinjani National Park Office (TNGR), together with relevant authorities, moved quickly to respond to a forest and land fire that broke out in the Sembalun Resort area, Regional Section II of Mount Rinjani National Park, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
The fire was first reported by local residents on Friday, August 7, 2026, at around 4:48 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA). Sembalun Resort officers, accompanied by vocational students from the Forestry Vocational School (SKMA) who were undertaking field internships, immediately conducted a field inspection and discovered three active fire spots in the Maletan area.
The team then coordinated its response and prepared firefighting and fire-control equipment. During the initial response, approximately 22 personnel were involved, consisting of TNGR officers, Forest Ranger Partner Community members, local residents, SKMA internship students, Sembalun Police officers, Sembalun Military District Command (Koramil) personnel, and the East Lombok Regency Fire and Rescue Service.
The top priority in every firefighting operation is the safety and health of personnel. As field conditions and the development of the fire remained dynamic, the team decided at 7:00 p.m. to return to the post in accordance with safety procedures for firefighting personnel.
Based on initial observations, the affected area was estimated at approximately 30 hectares, although the figure was still being verified. The vegetation burned was predominantly shrubs, bushes, and vines.
Fire developments were subsequently monitored using drones. On Friday night, firefighting efforts were also reinforced by the East Lombok Regency Fire and Rescue Service, Sembalun Police, and Sembalun Military District Command using a fire engine.
The response continued on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at around 12:15 a.m. A joint team led by the East Lombok Police Chief and the Head of Regional Section II moved toward the fire site in the Dalem Petung area. A total of 35 personnel participated in the continued operation, comprising TNGR officers, East Lombok Police personnel, Sembalun Police officers, personnel from Section III of the Mataram Forest and Land Fire Control Center, and SKMA internship students.
At around 1:30 a.m., the fire was successfully contained. The team also inspected the affected area and found no active fire spots. Personnel then carried out mopping-up operations, including searching for and extinguishing remaining burning material that could potentially reignite.
Head of the Mount Rinjani National Park Office, Budhy Kurniawan, expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation of all parties involved, including the East Lombok Police, Sembalun Police, the East Lombok Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Section III of the Mataram Forest and Land Fire Control Center, SKMA internship students, local communities, and other relevant parties.
“Responding to forest and land fires requires a rapid response and joint efforts. We appreciate the support of everyone who worked together in the field. After the fire was successfully contained, monitoring and mopping-up operations continued to ensure that no embers or fire spots reignited,” Budhy said in a written statement on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The Ministry of Forestry, through the TNGR Office, said that field monitoring would continue to ensure that all fire spots and embers were completely extinguished. All response activities would continue to prioritize the occupational safety and health of personnel.
The Ministry of Forestry also urged communities living around Mount Rinjani National Park to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of fire or activities that could potentially cause fires within or around the national park.
