Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most iconic peaks, now boasts a unique addition: a toilet with arguably the most beautiful view in the country. Built at Pelawangan Sembalun, this modern facility is a collaboration between the Gunung Rinjani National Park (TNGR) Hall and outdoor equipment company Arei Outdoor Gear.
The toilet aims to address the growing issue of climbers defecating freely around the base camp, which has been harming the environment.
As reported by Detiknews, Yarman, Head of TNGR, explained, “We built this to meet the needs of climbers and prevent them from defecating in open areas around Pelawangan.”
Standing tall at approximately 2,639 meters above sea level, a brand-new eco-friendly toilet has been constructed at Pelawangan Sembalun 1, a key stop along the Sembalun hiking trail.
The toilet, equipped with solar power and CCTV cameras, features two rooms—one with a sitting toilet and the other with a squatting toilet. Both use a combustion and planting system to manage waste efficiently.
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The facility is set to open on April 3, 2025, coinciding with the start of the climbing season. This facility, ready for use in the 2025 climbing season, is more than just a convenience—it’s a commitment to preserving the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rinjani.
Developed through a collaboration between Gunung Rinjani National Park and Arei Outdoor Gear, the toilet offers both sitting and squat options, ensuring comfort for all climbers. More importantly, it serves as a crucial step in preventing open defecation, protecting the delicate mountain ecosystem, and maintaining the pristine landscape.
Yarman emphasised the importance of maintaining the toilet, adding, “The view from here is incredible—you can see Segara Anak Lake and the peak of Rinjani.”
Plans are also underway to build similar toilets near Segara Anak Lake, though the exact location is still being studied.
Human Waste and Trash Threaten Mount Rinjani’s Beauty
Mount Rinjani’s stunning landscapes attract thousands of climbers annually, but its beauty is increasingly marred by litter and human waste. Despite efforts to promote responsible climbing, many visitors still leave behind trash and defecate in open areas, tarnishing the mountain’s natural charm.
Ideally, climbers should use portable tent toilets, which allow waste to be buried safely. However, not all climbers come prepared, leading to widespread environmental damage.
In 2024, the issue of waste around Segara Anak Lake became particularly concerning. While water from the lake could potentially be used for toilets, the logistics of transporting it sustainably remain a challenge.
Previous attempts to build toilets near the lake have failed due to a lack of maintenance and management. As Yarman noted, “We’ve built toilets there before, but without a dedicated manager, they quickly fell into disrepair.”
The new toilet at Pelawangan Sembalun is a step forward, but more efforts are needed to preserve Rinjani’s pristine environment for future generations.
