Mount Bromo Activity Rises, Tourism Slows—but Hope Remains for Holiday Season

As seismic tremors and volcanic activity increase at Mount Bromo, tourism in the region has seen a noticeable decline. This slowdown has directly impacted local residents who rely heavily on tourism services for their livelihood. Despite the situation, visitors can still enjoy the iconic Bromo sunrise from Penanjakan 2, and locals remain hopeful that tourist numbers will rise during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is actively preparing contingency measures in response to the heightened volcanic activity in East Java.

“In light of the increased activity, contingency plans for a potential Bromo eruption are being finalized,” said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, Head of Data, Information, and Public Relations at BNPB, in a written statement received in Jakarta on Sunday (December 13, 2015), as quoted by Antara.

Preparedness Across East Java

According to BNPB, the Probolinggo District Government is well-prepared for a possible eruption. Warning signs, evacuation routes, and designated meeting points have already been installed. “Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, and field drills are being organized. A standby emergency fund of IDR 2.5 billion has been allocated. However, evacuation route infrastructure remains a challenge, and communication networks in affected areas are still suboptimal,” Sutopo added.

In Lumajang, public outreach continues, with 25,000 masks distributed out of the 65,000 needed. In Malang Regency, the contingency plan has been finalized and approved by local authorities.

Volcanic Activity Update

Sutopo emphasized that residents should remain calm, as no evacuation is currently necessary. Mount Bromo’s eruption type is classified as strombolian, which historically has not resulted in major eruptions.

Volcanic ash emissions have increased, reaching up to 1,500 meters above the summit. Thick gray smoke has drifted westward toward the sea. As a result, Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport in Malang was temporarily closed until Monday (December 14, 2015).

“Whether the airport reopens or remains closed will depend on the distribution of volcanic ash from Bromo’s eruption,” Sutopo concluded.