Death on Lombok’s Mount Rinjani Raises Serious Concerns Over Tourist Safety in Bali
June 26, 2025 | The Bali Sun
The tragic death of a 27-year-old Brazilian tourist on Mount Rinjani, Lombok, has sparked widespread concern among tourists, the travel industry, and government officials regarding the safety of hiking activities in one of Indonesia’s most popular trekking destinations.
Incident Overview
The victim, known only by her initials JDSP in media reports, was hiking the 3,726-meter peak with a guide and five friends when she fell into a steep ravine on June 21. Initial reports indicate she landed approximately 150 meters from the cliff edge. However, rescue teams later discovered that she had slipped further down the sandy ravine, complicating efforts to reach her.
Adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain significantly hampered rescue operations conducted by a team comprising around fifty personnel. This large team included officers from Barsarnas Lombok (the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency), the Mount Rinjani National Park Office, the local army, police, fire department, disaster management agency, as well as local guides, porters, and volunteers.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams confirmed JDSP’s location in the early hours of June 23 but found her unresponsive. It was only by late afternoon on June 24 that rescuers were able to physically reach her. Due to poor weather limiting visibility, officials postponed the evacuation of her body until the following morning.
Madya Marshal Mohammad Syafii, Chief of Search and Rescue in Mataram, Lombok, remarked on the difficulties, stating, “Due to the impossible weather with limited visibility, it was decided that the evacuation of victims will be on Wednesday, 25 June at 6 am.” Subsequently, JDSP’s remains were recovered and handed over to her family.
Official Statements and Safety Warnings
The Brazilian government confirmed the rescue operation’s conclusion, noting the adverse weather and terrain challenges faced by Indonesian authorities. Meanwhile, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of the Indonesian Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Agency responsible for managing volcanic and mountain regions, expressed condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Forestry. He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, urging hikers to prioritize safety and carry appropriate equipment.
Growing Concerns Over Tourist Safety
JDSP’s death has ignited international attention and questions about the safety measures for visitors undertaking hiking and trekking adventures in Indonesia. Despite hiring a local guide and trekking in a group, the tragic incident reveals potential vulnerabilities in emergency response capabilities on notoriously difficult routes like Mount Rinjani.
Mount Rinjani, although an iconic "bucket-list" hike, features steep climbs and hazardous terrain that can prove treacherous, especially during poor weather. Likewise, Bali’s Mount Batur, standing at 1,717 meters, requires physical fitness and proper experience despite being comparatively lower.
Tourism authorities and community leaders now face pressing questions about how these accidents might be prevented and whether current safety and rescue infrastructure is adequate for increasing numbers of adventurous tourists.
Advice for Tourists
Visitors planning hikes in Indonesia are strongly advised to:
- Employ certified local guides.
- Ensure they are physically fit and possess suitable trekking experience.
- Carry all necessary safety equipment.
- Stay updated on weather conditions.
- Recognize that popular hiking routes are not necessarily easy or risk-free.
Final Thoughts
This tragic event underscores the importance of enhanced safety protocols and awareness among hikers and officials alike. With millions drawn to Indonesia’s natural wonders each year, balancing tourism growth with tourist safety remains a critical challenge.
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Reported by The Bali Sun – June 26, 2025
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