Authorities Urge Hikers to Strictly Obey Climbing Rules on Mount Rinjani

RRI.CO.ID, Mataram - The Mount Rinjani National Park Center (BTNGR) in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, has issued a comprehensive safety and environmental advisory for domestic and international tourists, stressing that compliance with official climbing regulations is non-negotiable to protect lives and preserve the delicate volcanic ecosystem.

With the trekking season drawing thousands to Lombok’s iconic peak, park authorities are shifting their focus toward strict enforcement of standard operating procedures. Officials noted that the volcanic terrain presents unique geographical challenges that should never be underestimated by recreational hikers.

"Before you take your steps, first understand the important rules for your own safety and the preservation of nature in the Mount Rinjani area of Lombok," Head of the West Nusa Tenggara BTNGR, Budy Kurniawan, said in Mataram on Friday, June 12, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Kurniawan emphasized that Mount Rinjani is a protected conservation area, not merely a recreational tourism destination. To enhance visitor safety and support emergency response efforts, the national park authority has reinforced several key climbing regulations.

Hikers are prohibited from climbing alone and must travel in groups of at least two people to ensure mutual assistance in emergency situations. Visitors are also strongly encouraged to use the services of certified local guides or porters, whose experience is essential for navigating Rinjani’s challenging terrain safely.

In addition, climbers are expected to have prior mountain hiking experience. Those under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult and provide written parental consent.

The agency also requires visitors to carry appropriate cold-weather equipment and adopt environmentally responsible practices by reducing single-use plastics, including the use of reusable food containers and refillable water bottles during the trek.

"These rules are not meant to restrict the movement of tourists who want to witness the natural beauty of Mount Rinjani, but rather to protect and ensure that Rinjani Lombok remains pristine for future generations," Kurniawan explained, reframing the restrictions as building blocks for sustainable tourism.

The national park agency urged all visitors and local trekking agencies to align with these safety frameworks immediately. By maintaining a disciplined approach to mountain safety and waste management, authorities hope to prevent fatal accidents and preserve Rinjani's global standing as a world-class eco-tourism destination. ***