Several National Parks Temporarily Closed During 2026 Eid Holiday for Ecosystem Recovery

Several National Parks (NP), Nature Tourism Parks (NTP), and wildlife sanctuaries in Indonesia are temporarily closed. This decision isn't merely administrative but part of efforts to preserve natural rhythms often strained by tourist surges.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized these closures are non-negotiable strategic measures.

He stressed that Long Holiday periods require more cautious management approaches, especially in Conservation areas sensitive to human disturbance.

"President Prabowo instructed NP-NTP management to prioritize zero waste, sufficient trash bins, and adequate personnel. Then emphasize zero accidents—no victims due to inadequate safety facilities—with medical teams, ambulances, and proper clinics prepared," stated Minister Raja Antoni.

He added that visitor quotas are essential for risk management.

"Ensure visitor quotas are enforced. Announce temporary closure updates through our respective social media channels for clear public communication," he said.

The closures are scheduled for 19-22 March 2026, coinciding with Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) and Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Beyond respecting major religious holidays, this move anticipates tourist influxes potentially exceeding area capacities.

Behind these temporary closures, nature gains breathing space. Quiet hiking trails, emptied beaches, and forests free from human bustle become part of a recovery cycle often overlooked.

For travelers, this serves as a crucial reminder: not all destinations are accessible anytime.

Within this pause lies a message—tourism sustainability depends not only on human presence but also on our ability to occasionally hold back.

Below are 19 national parks, 9 Nature Tourism Parks, and 2 wildlife sanctuaries closed during 2026 Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi holidays:

National Parks

Sumatra Island

1. Batang Gadis National Park

Period: 21-22 Mar 2026

2. Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Balik Bukit Entrance)

Period: 25 May 2025 – undetermined

3. Way Kambas National Park

Period: 17 Jan – 31 May 2026

Java Island

4. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

a. Mount Semeru Area

Period: 1-31 Dec 2026

b. Mount Bromo Tengger Area

Period: 19-20 Mar (reopens after Eid prayers)

5. Mount Gede Pangrango National Park

Period: 1 Jan – 12 Apr 2026

Non-trekking Nature Tourism sites closed only during Eid holidays (20 Mar)

6. Alas Purwo National Park

Period: 20-21 Mar 2026

7. Baluran National Park

Period: 20-22 Mar 2026

8. Mount Merapi National Park

Period: 21 Mar 2026

9. Mount Merbabu National Park (Suwanting Trail)

Period: 19-22 Mar 2026

10. Mount Halimun Salak National Park

Period: 19 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026

Bali and Nusa Tenggara

11. Mount Rinjani National Park

Period: 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026

12. Mount Tambora National Park

Period: 24 Dec 2025 – 30 Apr 2026

13. Mutis Timau National Park

Period: 10 Mar – 5 Apr 2026

Kalimantan Island

14. Kutai National Park

Period: 20-21 Mar 2026

15. Mount Palung National Park (Laman Satong)

Period: 17 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2026

16. Kayan Mentarang National Park

Period: 18 Mar – 5 Apr 2026

Sulawesi Island

17. Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park

Period: 20-21 Mar 2026

18. Gandang Dewata National Park

Period: 28 Dec 2025 – 22 Mar 2026

Maluku and Papua

19. Manusela National Park (Mount Binaya Trek)

Period: May 2025 – undetermined

Nature Tourism Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Sumatra Island

1. Mount Permisan NTP

Period: 18-24 Mar 2026

2. Mount Marapi NTP

Period: Not specified

3. Malino NTP

Period: 28 Dec 2025 – 22 Mar 2026

Java Island

4. Batu Gamping NTP

Period: 20-22 Mar 2026

5. Guci NTP (Tegal Regency)

Period: 21 Dec 2025 – 12 Dec 2026

6. Dataran Tinggi Yang Wildlife Sanctuary

Period: Not specified

Bali and Nusa Tenggara

7. Sangeh, Panelokan, Danau Buyan/Tamblingan, Mount Batur NTP

Period: 18-20 Mar 2026

Kalimantan Island

8. Padang Luwai NTP

Period: 1 Mar – 30 Apr 2026

9. Kelian Wildlife Sanctuary

Period: 1 Mar – 30 Apr 2026

Maluku and Papua

10. Klamono NTP

Period: 18-24 Mar 2026

11. Beriat NTP

Period: 18-24 Mar 2026