Honouring Sacred Days: Exploring Tenggerese Traditions in Bromo

TheIndonesia.co - High above the clouds, in the misty highlands of East Java, lies a place where ancient culture and majestic landscapes collide — Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS).

Revered for its otherworldly beauty and spiritual depth, the park is home not just to Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes, but also to one of the last remaining Hindu communities in the archipelago: the Tenggerese people.

Each year, the rhythms of daily life in this sacred land are punctuated by important religious ceremonies and cultural observances. One such moment is the Hari Raya Karo, a deeply significant day for the Tenggerese community. In 2025, this celebration leads to the temporary closure of Mount Semeru, Indonesia's highest volcano, from August 17th to August 26th, out of deep respect for indigenous beliefs and traditions.

If you’re a traveller seeking more than just breathtaking views — if you long to understand the soul of a place — the sacred days of the Tenggerese people offer a powerful insight into how land and tradition remain intertwined in East Java.

The Sacred Heart of the Tenggerese: Who Are They?

The Tenggerese are an indigenous Hindu community living around Mount Bromo, Semeru, and the surrounding highlands. Unlike the predominantly Muslim majority of Java, the Tenggerese have preserved Agama Hindu Dharma (Balinese-style Hinduism) for centuries, passed down from their Majapahit ancestors who sought refuge in the mountains after the fall of the Majapahit Kingdom in the 15th century.

Today, around 100,000 Tenggerese live in more than 30 villages scattered across the highlands, including Ngadisari, Wonokitri, and Ranupani. Their culture is rooted in harmony with nature, respect for ancestral spirits, and rituals conducted at sacred sites such as Pura Luhur Poten, the central temple in the Sea of Sand near Mount Bromo.

Hari Raya Karo: A Time of Reflection and Respect

Among the many religious ceremonies observed by the Tenggerese, Hari Raya Karo holds special importance. Often considered the Tenggerese "New Year," Hari Raya Karo is more than a festive occasion — it is a spiritual homecoming. This ritual marks the commemoration of ancestors, a time for family reunions, temple offerings, and introspection.

In 2025, the celebration falls between August 17th and 26th, overlapping with Indonesia’s Independence Day. During this period, climbing activities to Mount Semeru are officially suspended, honoring a long-standing cultural practice and giving space for spiritual observances in peace.

According Antara News Agency, the Balai Besar Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru (TNBTS), the national park’s official authority, has formally announced this closure through Surat Pengumuman Nomor PG.11/T.8/TU/HMS.01.08/B/07/2025, based on a request from local authorities in Ranupani Village. The final day for climbers to ascend Semeru is August 16, with all trekkers required to descend by August 17th at 4:00 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

The closure is a reminder that the land belongs not just to the adventurous but also to those who have lived in reverence of it for generations.

Where Can You Still Go During the Closure?

While Mount Semeru is off-limits during Hari Raya Karo, visitors can still enjoy other parts of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park:

* Mount Bromo Sunrise Tours: Famous for its epic sunrises over the smoking crater, Mount Bromo remains open to tourists during the Semeru closure. The best viewpoints include Mount Penanjakan, King Kong Hill, and Love Hill (Bukit Cinta).

* Pura Luhur Poten: Visit this sacred Hindu temple at the foot of Mount Bromo to witness offerings, incense rituals, and the peaceful presence of local devotees.

* Ranu Regulo: This scenic lake near Ranupani Village remains open for camping and light trekking. It’s a quieter alternative offering serene landscapes and crisp mountain air.

* Ranu Kumbolo (view only): While the full Semeru trail is closed, the nearby lake of Ranu Kumbolo remains a dream for many. It’s visible on maps and in photos, and may be part of future trekking plans once the trail reopens.

Remember: Tickets for the park must be booked in advance through the official website:  https://bromotenggersemeru.ksdae.kehutanan.go.id

What Makes the Sacred Days So Important?

Unlike public holidays driven by commercial or political agendas, Tenggerese sacred days are deeply spiritual. They center on the balance between humans, nature, and the divine, aligning with Tri Hita Karana, a Balinese-Tenggerese principle meaning “Three Causes of Well-being” — harmony with God, people, and nature.

Hari Raya Karo, in particular, involves:

• Ngayah (community volunteering): Villagers clean temples, make offerings, and help in preparing traditional food.
• Worship at family shrines: Prayers are offered to Dewa-Dewi (gods) and ancestors.
• Traditional performances: Gamelan music, mask dances, and other art forms bring the community together in celebration.

As a traveller, simply observing (from a respectful distance) can offer profound insight into a way of life rooted in sustainability, community, and spiritual continuity.

Travel Tips for International Visitors

If you’re planning a trip to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park from outside Indonesia, here are key tips for a smooth and respectful experience:

How to Get There:

• Fly into Surabaya (SUB): The nearest international airport with frequent flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta.
• Travel to Probolinggo or Malang:
• From Surabaya, take a train or private transfer to Probolinggo (3–4 hours) or Malang (similar time).
• Reach Cemoro Lawang (Gateway to Bromo):
• From Probolinggo, a shared jeep or private tour can take you to Cemoro Lawang, the main base for exploring Mount Bromo.

Best Time to Visit:

• Dry season (May to September) is ideal for sunrise views and trekking.
• Avoid Hari Raya Karo period (August 17th–26th) if you plan to climb Mount Semeru, though visiting during this time is still rewarding culturally.

Permits & Entry Fees:

• All visits require online booking through the TNBTS official portal.
• Fees vary for domestic and international tourists (expect IDR220,000–320,000/day).
• Mount Semeru requires an additional health check, physical form, and guides.

What to Pack:

• Warm clothes (temperatures can drop to 5°C or lower at dawn).
• Face mask or scarf (ash from the volcanoes can cause irritation).
• Good hiking shoes, sunblock, and a reusable water bottle.
• If camping or hiking, bring headlamps, tents, and windbreakers.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respecting Sacred Ground

Whether you're hiking up volcanic slopes or watching temple rituals, remember:

• Don’t touch offerings (often seen as flowers, rice, or incense in baskets).
• Dress modestly, especially near temples or during ceremonies.
• Avoid drones unless you have special permission.
• Engage respectfully: A smile or small donation to a local temple shows goodwill.
• Don’t attempt to climb Semeru during closure — security teams will be on alert, and violators can face legal consequences.

As TNBTS spokesman Endrip Wahyutama stated, "Our team will secure the trail and ensure no illegal climbs occur during the closure."

Why You Should Go Anyway — Even If Semeru is Closed

While the towering summit of Mount Semeru draws hikers from around the world, there's much more to this region than just reaching the top. Visiting during Hari Raya Karo offers a deeper, richer experience — one that connects you to the heartbeat of an ancient culture that has survived in harmony with the fire and stone of the mountains.

Travel here not just to see, but to listen — to stories, chants, and the timeless wind that moves across the Sea of Sand. It’s a journey through both geography and tradition, and one that will stay with you long after your boots are cleaned and your photos are posted.