Mount Rinjani Reopening: Safety Protocols After Accidents
mount Rinjani Enhances Safety Protocols following climber Accidents
Mataram, Lombok – Mount Rinjani National Park (BTNGR) is implementing a comprehensive review and revision of its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for climbers, a move prompted by a series of recent accidents that have underscored the need for enhanced safety measures. The park authorities are also intensifying training for guides and porters to ensure a safer experience for all visitors.
Intensified training for Guides and Porters
Aulia, a representative from the park management, highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the qualifications of the mountain’s support staff. “As everyone brings guests,” Aulia explained, referring to the common practice of guides and porters accompanying climbers.Out of the 661 porters and guides currently operating on Mount Rinjani, a significant portion, 371, are not yet certified. Progress is being made, with 50 individuals having completed their certification during the current trail maintenance period. “So there are still around 321 people left, and we’ve already trained 50. We will intensify this process [during the maintenance period from August 1-10],” Aulia stated.
The training curriculum is designed to equip guides with essential skills, covering basic healthcare and safety handling. This initiative aims to provide all guides with crucial rescue knowledge, enabling them to respond effectively in emergency situations.
SOP Revised After Climber Accidents
The critical revision of the hiking SOP was directly triggered by recent unfortunate accidents on the mountain. Yarman, the Head of BTNGR, emphasized that the new SOP will be a collaborative endeavor, involving all relevant stakeholders.This includes the local government, tourism operators, and the nearby communities who are integral to the Rinjani ecosystem and visitor experience.
This proactive initiative follows the tragic death of Juliana Marines, a Brazilian climber who fell on the mountain. “We conducted several evaluations of our own human resources, tourism operators, facilities, and the SOP, which will be revised together,” Yarman said, underscoring a commitment to a holistic approach to safety.
To facilitate this crucial revision, a dedicated working group (POKJA) has been established. This group comprises members from BTNGR, the NTB Provincial government, and other pertinent organizations. “The POKJA will discuss the roles of each party within the SOP, such as porters, travel agencies, guides, etc. Hopefully, this can be realized soon. There will be a follow-up meeting later,” Yarman added, signaling a structured and timely approach to the process.Following the incident involving Juliana Marins, two other foreign climbers experienced accidents. On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Swiss tourist Benekdikt emmeneger sustained a broken leg and arm. The very next day, a Dutch tourist, Sarah Tamar van Hulten, suffered a fall in a nearby location. Both climbers required immediate evacuation and were airlifted to Bali for further medical attention.
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