Are Indonesian Authorities Reevaluating Mount Rinjani Climbing Safety After a Brazilian Climber's Tragic Death?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indonesian authorities are conducting a comprehensive review of climbing safety at Mount Rinjani.
- The tragic death of a Brazilian climber has prompted immediate action.
- Collaboration between provincial government and the Ministry of Forestry is crucial.
- Feedback from stakeholders will help improve safety measures.
- Rescue operations faced challenges due to weather and terrain.
Jakarta, July 1 (NationPress) Indonesian officials are set to reassess the climbing safety protocols at Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara province after the unfortunate passing of a Brazilian climber, an official disclosed on Tuesday.
Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, stated that he plans to gather feedback from all pertinent stakeholders to improve tourism safety in the area, especially at Mt. Rinjani, to avert similar incidents in the future.
He also mentioned that he had been in direct communication with Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, reaffirming the provincial government's dedication to collaborate with the ministry to enhance safety measures at Mt. Rinjani.
Previously, Deputy Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri highlighted the significance of reassessing the climbing protocols, including current regulations, to help prevent additional tragedies akin to that of Brazilian climber Juliana Marins, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
On June 25, a 27-year-old Brazilian woman tragically lost her life after plummeting into a 600-meter-deep ravine while ascending Mount Rinjani on Indonesia's Lombok Island.
Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) announced on Wednesday that the victim, identified as JDSP, had fallen into the ravine the previous Saturday. Unfortunately, due to severe weather conditions and the isolated location, the rescue operation took longer than anticipated. She was discovered deceased on Tuesday when the rescue team finally reached her site.
Muhamad Hariyadi, the head of the Mataram SAR Office in Lombok, reported that one of the team members reached the victim's location in the ravine and, after a preliminary examination, determined that there were no signs of life.
According to SAR, the victim was climbing Mount Rinjani with six friends and a local guide. They opted for the Sembalun route and commenced their ascent early on June 21. Upon arriving at the Cemara Nunggal point, the victim expressed fatigue and was advised by the guide to take a break.
The others proceeded to the summit, leaving her at the rest point. When she did not rejoin the group, the guide returned to the last resting area, only to find her missing. The group feared she had fallen and promptly contacted authorities for help.