Death on Mount Rinjani Sparks Safety Concerns for Tourists in Bali and Lombok
June 26, 2025 — The tragic death of a 27-year-old Brazilian tourist on Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most iconic hiking destinations on the island of Lombok, has raised serious concerns about tourist safety and rescue preparedness in the popular hiking regions near Bali.
Incident Overview
JDSP, identified only by her initials in media reports, fell into a steep ravine on Mount Rinjani on June 21 while hiking with a guide and five friends. Mount Rinjani, standing at 3,726 meters, draws many adventurous travelers eager to experience its challenging terrain and stunning volcanic landscapes. Although Lombok attracts fewer tourists than Bali, the mountain remains one of Indonesia’s top trekking bucket-list spots.
Rescue efforts began promptly when the incident was reported. However, JDSP’s initial fall placed her 150 meters from the cliff edge in a ravine with loose, sandy soil, causing her to slip further down and complicating recovery attempts. Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to adverse weather and difficult terrain, making it arduous to safely reach her location.
Extensive Rescue Operation
A large-scale search and rescue mission involved approximately fifty personnel comprising officers from Barsarnas Lombok (Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency), the Mount Rinjani National Park Office, Indonesian Army units, Lombok Police, Fire Department, Disaster Management Agency, local guides, porters, and volunteers. Despite their intensive efforts, the weather conditions limited visibility and made initial evacuation attempts impossible.
JDSP’s location was confirmed in the early hours of June 23, but rescuers found her unresponsive. The body was finally reached around 6 p.m. on June 24. Due to ongoing poor weather, the official evacuation and recovery of her body were postponed until the following morning, June 25. Her remains have since been returned to her family.
Official Responses and Safety Messages
The Brazilian government expressed condolences and confirmed the recovery following the four-day rescue response challenged by weather and topographical conditions.
Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of the Indonesian Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation Agency, overseer of volcanic and mountain management, expressed deep sadness over the incident. He acknowledged the obstacles faced by rescue teams but emphasized that efforts were maximized under the circumstances and successfully concluded. Pudyatmoko urged all hikers throughout Indonesia to prioritize safety and ensure proper preparation and equipment before undertaking any treks.
Rising Questions Over Tourist Safety
This fatal incident has ignited widespread concern in the international travel community about the safety infrastructure and emergency responsiveness on Mount Rinjani and similar trekking routes. Despite JDSP having a local guide and traveling with a group, scrutiny is growing over whether sufficient preventive measures and rescue capabilities are in place to protect tourists from the inherent dangers of these climbs.
Tourism operators, government authorities, and the public alike are calling for assessments to understand how such tragedies can be prevented in the future. Questions remain on improving rescue access and readiness on Lombok, especially as trekking continues to grow in popularity.
Caution for Tourists: Know the Risks
Experts remind tourists that Indonesian volcano and mountain hikes, including Mount Rinjani and Bali’s Mount Agung (which rises over 3,000 meters), involve steep, rugged, and often hazardous terrain demanding proper fitness, experience, and gear.
Even Bali’s well-known Mount Batur, at 1,717 meters, poses risks and should not be underestimated. The Indonesian government strongly recommends that all climbers hire authorized local guides and carry relevant safety equipment to reduce risks.
In summary, the tragic death on Mount Rinjani stands as a sober reminder of the risks inherent in high-altitude trekking in Indonesia and highlights the imperative for continuous improvements in tourist safety, rescue preparedness, and traveler awareness.
For travelers planning hikes in Indonesia, thorough preparation, physical readiness, and respect for mountain safety guidelines are essential. Always ensure you are accompanied by experienced guides and equipped for the terrain and weather conditions.
Stay updated on Bali and Lombok travel news. Subscribe to The Bali Sun for the latest reports and expert advice on safe travel in Indonesia.
Add a comment