Mount Bromo will be Temporary Closed for Tengger's Sacred Traditions

TIMESINDONESIA, PROBOLINGGO – The Balai Besar Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru (TNBTS) has officially announced the temporary closure of Mount Bromo. The closure, effective on specific dates, is in line with the sacred traditions observed by the Tengger community, marking the holy month known as Wulan Kapitu.

Wulan Kapitu holds special significance for the Hindu community, with elders from the Tengger region observing "Laku Puasa Mutih" throughout the month. "Puasa Mutih" appears to be a specific form of fasting where individuals consume only white rice and water during the fasting period.

Advertisement

This type of fasting may have cultural, spiritual, or religious significance within a particular community or tradition. Particularly for the Tengger community in this case. 

This spiritual practice aims to restrain worldly behaviors and draw closer to the Divine Creator. The closure aligns with a coordinated effort to respect and honor the cultural heritage of the Tengger community.

Closure Locations and the Schedules

The closure will be enforced at various entry points. From Pasuruan, the closure will be at Pakis Bincil, from Malang and Lumajang, it will be in the Jemplang area, and from Probolinggo, it will be in Wonokerto Village, Sukapura District.

Bambang Suprapto, the Chairman of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) Probolinggo Regency, emphasizes that the closure dates were pre-announced to ensure awareness among tourists. The closure aligns with the cultural activities conducted during Wulan Kapitu, utilizing parts of Mount Bromo for specific ceremonies.

The closure will be implemented in two phases, commencing on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 4:00 PM to Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 4:00 PM. The second phase will occur on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 4:00 PM to Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Both phases will last for 24 hours each.

"The closure will be done in two stages. Each will be conducted for 24 hours," he said. 

Operator Confirmation

Khoirul Umam Masduqi, a tourism transport operator for Mount Bromo, confirms that the closure schedule was communicated well in advance. Tourists, upon making reservations, are informed about the scheduled closures, allowing them to plan their visits accordingly.

As Mount Bromo temporarily closes its doors in observance of Wulan Kapitu, tourists and enthusiasts are encouraged to appreciate the cultural richness embedded in this sacred tradition. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting diverse cultural practices and fostering a harmonious coexistence between tourism and local traditions.

**) Ikuti berita terbaru TIMES Indonesia di Google News klik link ini dan jangan lupa di follow.