Mount Rinjani Reopens After Safety Overhaul

New Measures Implemented Following Fatal Accident

Mount Rinjani, a popular Indonesian volcano, has reopened its hiking trails after a 10-day closure. The move follows a fatal climbing incident and an injury to a foreign visitor, prompting significant upgrades to safety protocols and management systems.

Enhanced Safety Protocols Introduced

The Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) Office announced the reopening on Monday after conducting thorough evaluations of all routes and procedures. Head of TNGR, Yarman, stated that the improvements are designed to boost visitor safety and comfort, ensuring all climbing standards are met.

Six distinct climbing destinations are now accessible, including a previously damaged path that has undergone extensive repairs. These enhancements aim to provide a secure environment for all trekkers ascending the iconic mountain.

Operational Changes for Climbers

Significant revisions have been made to climbing operating procedures. These include the grouping of climbing routes, adjustments to the guide-to-climber ratio, the implementation of an insurance system, and the establishment of a safety contingency plan.

In an effort to better regulate visitor numbers and facilitate oversight, prospective climbers are now required to purchase tickets online via an official application. Yarman added that periodic assessments will be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of these new regulations.

This focus on safety comes as tourism in natural attractions sees a resurgence globally. For instance, in 2023, Nepal’s Everest region recorded over 100,000 trekkers, highlighting the importance of robust safety management in popular mountain destinations (The Himalayan Times, 2024).