The Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR) has announced the closure of all Mount Rinjani hiking trails for a period of ten days, from August 1 to August 10, 2025. The decision is part of efforts to enhance the mountain’s safety system following the tragic death of Brazilian hiker, Juliana Marins.
The closure is officially stated in Announcement Letter No: PG.5/T.39/TU/KSA.04.01/B/07/2025. The policy resulted from an emergency response coordination meeting held by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenkopolhukam) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, regarding incidents at Segara Anak Lake.
“This temporary closure is intended to allow for a comprehensive safety system upgrade. We are currently in the process of adding new facilities, procuring SAR equipment, conducting training sessions, and drafting new SOPs,” said TNGR Head Yarman, as quoted by DetikBali on Friday (July 24, 2025) afternoon.
Three Emergency Shelters to Be Built
Yarman also stated that three emergency shelters would be constructed at high-risk points along the mountain. These locations include the Sembalun Crater Rim (Pelawangan Sembalun), the Letter E trail leading to the summit, and the Segara Anak area.
“As part of facility improvements, we will build emergency shelters that will also serve as guard posts and storage points for SAR equipment—especially in areas where recent emergencies occurred,” he explained.
Each shelter will have a capacity of 10 people and be manned by 10 forest rangers (Polhut) at each site.
In addition, TNGR will conduct capacity-building programs through training that involves TNGR personnel, tourism operators, mountain guides, porters, and rescue teams.
Tourism Operators Voice Objections
Yarman also responded to objections from several tourism stakeholders who protested the temporary closure. He described their reaction as understandable but emphasized that the safety of hikers, guides, porters, and all tourism workers in Mount Rinjani National Park remains the top priority.
“In principle, we aim to ensure both comfort and safety for all hikers and tourism players. This effort is also part of our strategy to elevate Rinjani as a world-class destination,” he said.
Refund or Reschedule Options for Hikers
For hikers who have already purchased tickets via the e-Rinjani platform, TNGR is offering two options: a refund or rescheduling.
“We have opened a form that’s been shared on TNGR’s social media. Hikers may contact us directly through the listed numbers to process a refund or to reschedule,” Yarman added.