Indonesia Partially Shuts Mt Rinjani After Accidents Involving Foreign Climbers

Death of Brazilian in June and More Falls This Week Lead to Moves to Boost Safety on Routes

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JAKARTA - The management of Mount Rinjani National Park in Indonesia's West Nusa Tenggara has announced a partial closure of the mountain following a series of climbing accidents involving foreign tourists, with officials stating that the temporary closure is intended to improve safety measures along the hiking routes.

Officials stated that the affected routes include the section from the Pelawangan Post, located at an altitude of 2,600m above sea level, down to the popular Segara Anak crater lake.

This trail is one of the most frequented paths by climbers due to its scenic beauty, but it is also known for its challenging and often treacherous terrain.

The park management has also temporarily suspended online ticket sales for new visitors until further notice.

"Visitors who have already purchased tickets are still allowed to summit the mountain via other routes, but access to the Segara Anak lake is currently prohibited," said Mr Yarman, head of Mount Rinjani National Park, on July 17, as quoted by news outlet Tempo.co.

Nearly 6,000 people have secured tickets to enter Mount Rinjani until the end of the year, with more than 5,000 expected to arrive during the latter half of July and throughout August.

Mr Yarman said that during the closure, officials will focus on improving safety measures in "extreme" areas on the route from Pelawangan Post to Segara Anak lake.