Mount Rinjani National Park officially announced the temporary closure of all climbing tourist destinations in the Mount Rinjani area. This closure will last for three months, starting from January 1 to April 2, 2025.
“Officially closed to the public starting from January 1, 2025, to April 2, 2025,” explained the Head of the Gunung Rinjani National Park Center, Yarman, in his official statement, reported by Kompas.com.
This information was conveyed through an official letter number PG. 1688/BTNGR/TU/KSA/12/2024 issued by the Gunung Rinjani National Park Center. The letter explained that this decision was based on weather forecasts from BMKG Class I Climatology Station Mataram.
Yarman said the transition to the rainy season often brings the potential for hydrometeorological disasters such as heavy rains, strong winds, and the threat of floods and landslides at the peak of the 2025 rainy season.
Therefore, his party conducts routine closures at the beginning of each year as a form of love for nature, giving time for Mount Rinjani to recover and protecting mountain lovers from unexpected risks.
This closure also aims to provide recovery time for the ecosystem of Mount Rinjani after the high intensity of tourist visits during 2024. This step is considered important to preserve the flora, fauna, and environmental balance in the area.
The Head of the Gunung Rinjani National Park Office urges all people and prospective climbers to avoid the risk of climbing the mountain.
The Head of Mount Rinjani National Park urges all people and prospective climbers to comply with this policy for mutual safety and comfort. In addition, the public is expected to remain alert to the potential for extreme weather that can affect outdoor activities.
6 Mount Rinjani Hiking Trails that are Closed
Mount Rinjani climbing tourist routes that will be closed refer to the policy, namely:
- Senaru hiking trail in North Lombok Regency.
- Torean hiking trail in North Lombok Regency.
- Sembalun hiking trail in East Lombok Regency.
- Timbanuh hiking trail in East Lombok Regency.
- Tetebatu hiking trail in East Lombok regency.
- Aik Berik hiking trail in Central Lombok Regency.
The last climb in 2024 will be at the end of December. The last climbing activity is allowed on December 31, 2024, with a deadline to descend from the climbing area until January 3, 2025.
Mount Rinjani is the highest volcano on the island of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The height of Mount Rinjani is 3,726 meters above sea level and is part of the Ring of Fire.
So don’t be surprised: Mount Rinjani is among the Indonesian Seven Summits and local and international climbers frequently visit it.
cover: Photo by Esther Höfling/Pexels
