Why Has Indonesia Closed the Mount Rinjani Hiking Trail via Sembalun?
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Synopsis
The hiking trail to Segara Anak Lake in Mount Rinjani National Park has been temporarily closed for repairs and safety improvements following tragic incidents. This closure aims to enhance visitor safety and ecotourism in Lombok, Indonesia.
Key Takeaways
- Mount Rinjani National Park has temporarily closed the Pelawangan Sembalun trail.
- Closure is due to necessary repairs and recent climbing accidents.
- Visitor safety is a top priority for park authorities.
- Alternative hiking routes are available for climbers.
- Authorities are reviewing safety measures to prevent future incidents.
Jakarta, July 18 (NationPress) The authority of Mount Rinjani National Park in Indonesia has implemented a temporary closure of the hiking path through Pelawangan Sembalun that leads to Segara Anak Lake on Lombok Island, in West Nusa Tenggara.
According to a post on their official social media, this decision is due to necessary repairs on the trail located at coordinates -8.389789, 116.440320, where recent incidents involving foreign hikers have occurred.
"Ensuring visitor safety is our utmost priority," stated the park authority on Friday.
The closure also facilitates enhancements to ecotourism facilities and reinforces the sustainable management of the conservation zone within Mount Rinjani National Park, they further explained.
Currently, alternate hiking routes available include Senaru - Pelawangan Senaru - Lake - Torean and Sembalun - Pelawangan Sembalun - Summit.
This closure has been effective since Wednesday, pending further updates, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Last month, a tragic incident occurred when a 27-year-old Brazilian female climber fell into a 600-meter deep ravine while attempting to summit Mount Rinjani.
Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) confirmed that the individual, identified by the initials JDSP, fell into the ravine. Due to severe weather and the remote nature of the area, the recovery operation took longer than anticipated. Unfortunately, she was found deceased upon the team's arrival.
Muhamad Hariyadi, the head of the Mataram SAR Office in Lombok, reported that one of the rescuers reached her location in the ravine and, following an initial examination, confirmed that there were no signs of life.
In the wake of this incident, Indonesian authorities are re-evaluating the safety measures of the climbing system at Mount Rinjani.
Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, is soliciting input from all relevant stakeholders to improve tourism safety in the area, especially at Mount Rinjani, to avert similar occurrences in the future.
He also highlighted his direct coordination with Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, reaffirming the provincial government's dedication to collaborating with the ministry to enhance safety conditions at Mount Rinjani.
Previously, Deputy Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri emphasized the necessity to reassess the climbing system, including current regulations, to help prevent further tragedies.
Point of View
I believe that the recent closure of the Mount Rinjani hiking trail underscores the need for improved safety protocols in our national parks. While the beauty of our natural landscapes attracts tourists, it is crucial to ensure their safety to foster responsible tourism and preserve our ecosystems.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Mount Rinjani hiking trail closed?
The hiking trail was closed for repairs and to ensure visitor safety following recent accidents.
What alternative routes are available for hikers?
Hikers can use the Senaru - Pelawangan Senaru - Lake - Torean route and the Sembalun - Pelawangan Sembalun - Summit route.
What incidents prompted the authorities to close the trail?
The closure was prompted by a tragic accident involving a climber who fell into a ravine.
How long will the trail remain closed?
The trail closure is effective until further notice, pending repairs and safety evaluations.
What actions are being taken to improve safety?
Authorities are evaluating the climbing system and seeking input to enhance safety measures in the region.
