TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following two consecutive accidents involving foreign hikers on Mount Rinjani's Pelawangan route towards Lake Segara Anak, Coordinating Minister of Politics and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan has called for a comprehensive evaluation and improvement of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) at Rinjani National Park.
Budi announced this decision after a meeting with key stakeholders, including Basarnas (the National Search and Rescue Agency), the Rinjani National Park Office, the Indonesian Military, the National Police, the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, and the Tourism Office. The ministry's public relations shared this information in a written statement on Friday, July 18, 2025.
The meeting concluded with four key resolutions. Firstly, all trekking routes on the volcano are to be completely closed to the public until further notice. Secondly, during this closure period, there will be improvements to climbing SOPs and emergency evacuation protocols, aiming for heightened responsiveness and efficacy in challenging conditions.
Thirdly, security facilities and emergency infrastructure along the trekking routes will undergo upgrades. Fourthly, prior to the reopening of the routes, their suitability will be rigorously verified by Basarnas, the Indonesian Military, the National Police, and the Indonesian Mountaineering Team.
"The reopening will only take place after all parties declare the route safe and suitable for use," said Budi Gunawan. The retired police general underscored that the paramount concern is the safety of trekkers.
The routes will only be reopened once all safety benchmarks have been met through inter-agency coordination. For additional information, the public is advised to contact the Rinjani National Park Office or the local Basarnas post.
The Rinjani National Park Office (BTNGR) ceased the sale of climbing permits through the e-Rinjani application on July 16, 2025. The BTNGR head Yarman clarified that this closure was aimed at improving the challenging route.
"We have seen many cases on the Pelawangan route towards the lake," Yarman explained on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
However, he stopped short of detailing the intended route improvements, clarifying that trekkers who had already secured permits are still permitted to ascend to the summit but are prohibited from descending to the lake.
"We are only closing new climbing quotas and closing the Pelawangan route to the lake," Yarman said.
Over the past two days, two foreign trekkers experienced accidents on the Pelawangan route en route to Lake Segara Anak.
Benekdikt Emmeneger, a Swiss tourist, sustained a fractured leg and arm after a fall on Wednesday. The following day, Sarah Tamar van Hulten, a Dutch tourist, also fell in a proximate location. Both individuals were airlifted to Bali by helicopter for medical attention.
Previously, Mount Rinjani National Park garnered international attention due to a fatal accident involving Juliana Marins. The Brazilian hiker tragically died after falling into a ravine while ascending to the summit via the Sembalun route.
Editor's Choice: Mount Rinjani Closes E-Ticket Sale Following Foreign Climber Accidents
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Mount Rinjani Closes E-Ticket Sale Following Foreign Climber Accidents
9 jam lalu
Mount Rinjani has suspended e-ticket sales from July 16, 2025, after two foreign climbers were injured on the Pelawangan route.
Dutch Hiker Falls on Mount Rinjani; Second Incident This Week
23 jam lalu
This incident marks a worrying trend of foreign hikers falling on Mount Rinjani.
Another Foreign Hiker Injured in Fall on Mount Rinjani
2 hari lalu
Benedikt Emmenegger, a 46-year-old tourist from Switzerland, reportedly fell while climbing Mount Rinjani on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
New Autopsy Reveals Juliana Marins Endured 32 Hours After First Fall on Mount Rinjani
5 hari lalu
A follow-up autopsy on the body of Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian hiker, revealed that she managed to survive for 32 hours after her fall.
Seaplane, Glamping Construction Plan on Mount Rinjani Draws Flak
7 hari lalu
Local residents are worried about the potential ecological damage and impact on the spiritual space in Mount Rinjani.
Today's Top 3 News: 3 Efforts to Ensure Safe Climbing on Mount Rinjani
10 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
3 Efforts to Ensure Safe Climbing on Mount Rinjani
10 hari lalu
The government, together with volunteer group, is preparing a special route & 3 efforts to ensure safe and comfortable climbing on Mount Rinjani.
Brazil Gov't Not Suing Over Juliana Marins' Death, Says Indonesian Minister
11 hari lalu
Coordinating Minister Budi Gunawan clarified that the legal action against Indonesia is not initiated by the Brazilian government.
Six Approved Trails on Mount Rinjani for Safe and Scenic Hiking
12 hari lalu
Mount Rinjani National Park now requires hikers to use official routes to ensure safety and protect the mountain's environment.
Today's Top 3 News: Here Are the K9 Robot Prices Displayed at the Police's 79th Anniversary Parade
12 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
