A Malaysian climber, Rennie Bin Abdul Ghani (57), was found dead after falling into an 80-metre-deep ravine on the Torean climbing trail, Mount Rinjani National Park, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Sunday, 4 May 2025.
Rennie’s body was discovered by the joint SAR team at approximately 10:30 a.m. The search and evacuation operation had been underway since the initial report was received on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
“The evacuation process is ongoing with cross-party coordination,” said the Head of the Mount Rinjani National Park (BTNGR), Yarman, in a written statement to Indonesian national media.
Yarman stated that the evacuation process involved multiple parties and was carried out with great care due to the difficult terrain.
The evacuation team comprised 10 personnel from the Mataram Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas), 8 Emergency Medical Hiking Community (EMHC) personnel, and 11 potential East Lombok SAR personnel.
As of now, the victim’s body remains at the scene, accompanied by the tour leader and three individuals from the trek organiser. It is known that the victim was part of a group of 23 climbers who commenced their journey on 1 May 2025 via the Sembalun route.
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Information about the incident was initially conveyed by a tour guide from the Juan Adventure Rinjani Trekking Organiser and was immediately forwarded to the relevant authorities.
BTNGR urges all climbers to always prioritise safety while exploring the climbing routes of Mount Rinjani.
“Climbing is an adventure, but safety is the main thing. Stay alert, look after each other, and respect nature,” said Yarman.
Evacuation Process Using Lowering and Lifting System
He explained that the evacuation process was conducted using a lowering and lifting system that utilised mountaineering equipment. Both systems were operated by the team stationed at the top of the cliff.
Steep and rugged terrain, along with thick fog conditions, were the main challenges faced by the SAR team. After the body was successfully evacuated from the ravine, Rennie Bin Abdul Ghani was brought to the entrance of the Torean climbing tourist destination.
Once evacuated, the victim was handed over to the Mount Rinjani National Park (BTNGR) and the family. Subsequently, the body was transported to Bhayangkara Mataram Hospital for further procedures.
The SAR operation involved personnel from the Mataram SAR Office, Kayangan SAR Post, Mount Rinjani National Park Centre (BTNGR), TNI, Police, East Lombok BPBD, East Lombok SAR Unit, EMHC, Fire Department, Rinjani Volunteers, and porters.
Chronology of the Victim’s Fall
Previously, the victim was reported to have fallen from a cliff on the Torean climbing route of Mount Rinjani on Saturday at around 1 p.m.
The incident occurred while the victim and his group were descending from the Segara Anak Lake area to Torean.
BTNGR Head Yarman explained the chronology of the victim’s fall from the cliff on the Banyu Urip route of the Torean Climbing Tourism Destination. According to information from the guide and the victim’s colleagues, the incident began on Saturday, 3 May 2025, at around 11 a.m.
At that time, the group stopped to collect drinking water at the Banyu Urip spring. However, the victim continued walking and did not take a break.
The group leader then followed the victim along a path equipped with a safety rope ring. The leader intended to assist the victim in navigating the route, but the victim declined.
During the descent, the victim released his grip on the safety rope railing along the path, and his footing slipped. He lost his balance and fell to the right of the climbing path.
The victim was part of a group of 23 people who had been climbing Mount Rinjani since 1 May via the Sembalun climbing route in East Lombok.
Cover: Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash
