East Java Governor Urges Tourists to Respect Rules at Mount Bromo

Surabaya: The East Java government has taken a firm stance following a recent paragliding activity at Mount Bromo, stressing that all visitors must adhere to environmental, safety, and cultural regulations.

Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said on Sunday (Sept. 14) that there will be no tolerance for actions that damage nature or disregard the sacred values of the Tengger people.

She called on the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS), local authorities, tourism operators, and the community to step up monitoring and law enforcement for both domestic and foreign tourists.

“Mount Bromo is not just a tourist attraction, it is a conservation area, a sacred cultural site, and part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru-Arjuno Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO since 2015. This status requires us to protect it more seriously,” Khofifah said.

The governor praised TNBTS for its swift response to the viral paragliding case, while underlining the importance of educating tourists about respecting local wisdom and preserving the environment.

“We will continue to strengthen visitor education so that Bromo remains sustainable, sacred, and respected for generations to come,” she added.

A video showing a paraglider soaring near Mount Bathok, on the slopes of Mount Bromo, has gone viral on Instagram, raising alarms over violations of conservation rules in the protected area.

The 25-second clip, uploaded by the account @indonesian_mountains, shows a paraglider in white gear flying an orange parachute, drawing the attention of nearby tourists.

Endrip Wahyutama, Public Relations Officer of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Center, confirmed on Sunday (Sept. 14) that the flight was never registered with park authorities. He said the activity was conducted in secret without the knowledge of officers.

“Supervision in TNBTS is challenging due to its geography and limited personnel. The paragliding activity was not part of an official program and was carried out illegally,” Endrip said.

He stressed that paragliding is classified as a special activity requiring official permits, as clearly stated on the park’s website. “This is not just a breach, but a violation of conservation regulations,” he added.

Endrip also acknowledged gaps in monitoring at park entrances, noting that officers cannot always inspect luggage thoroughly because of the heavy influx of visitors, particularly at sunrise hours.