Mount Rinjani rescue protocols under review after tourist's death

Indonesia's House of Representatives and the West Nusa Tenggara administration have announced plans to review hiking procedures and search-and-rescue protocols on Mount Rinjani, following the failed attempt to rescue a Brazilian tourist who fell while climbing the volcano.

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JAKARTA —

House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said lawmakers would soon hold a hearing with relevant agencies to evaluate the incident, which has drawn international attention and sparked a strong online backlash in Brazil.

"We have instructed lawmakers from the relevant commission to visit Mount Rinjani and provide recommendations to the government regarding the accident," Mr Dasco said on June 26, as quoted by Kompas.com. He did not give details on the timeline of the hearing or specify which commission would lead the process.

Similarly, West Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri said the provincial government would review regulations on hiking procedures and permit requirements on Mount Rinjani for both domestic and international visitors.

"We will work on improving the regulations, we do not want incidents like this to happen again. The West Nusa Tenggara administration is committed to providing a safe and comfortable experience for tourists," Ms Indah said on June 26.

Ms Juliana De Souza Pereira Marins fell into a ravine on Mount Rinjani in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on June 21. The 27-year-old was found dead on June 24 after days of grueling rescue efforts, which were hampered by bad weather and challenging terrain.

Ms Marins began her climb of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano, on June 20, accompanied by several other climbers and a local guide. At around 6am the following day, she asked to rest at Cemara Nunggal, a narrow section of trail near the summit, bordered by the Mount Rinjani crater on one side and steep cliffs on the other.