Foreign Climbers Injured On Mount Rinjani, Safety Issues Plague Indonesia’s Popular Hiking Destination

Published on July 18, 2025

Indonesia’s second-highest volcano has been once again in the spotlight after two foreign tourists reportedly fell into a ravine within a 24-hour period, adding more salt to the wound about the safety of the mountain’s hiking trails. The latest incidents, with a Dutch climber and a Swiss hiker, come on the heels of a deadly mishap earlier in the year, where a Brazilian tourist met an unfortunate fate. The incidents have prompted broader discussions about the country’s safety measures and local authorities’ efforts to safeguard visitors to the rapidly growing tourist destination.

A Day Apart: The Accidents That Sparked Concerns

On July 17, 2025, a Dutch climber, Sarah Tamar van Hulten, fell into a ravine near Segara Anak Lake, situated about 1 km below the summit. The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. local time, shortly after a Swiss national, Benedikt Emmenegger, suffered a similar fall the day before, on July 16. Emmenegger, aged 45, was descending from the 3,727-meter summit when he fell into the ravine, suffering multiple injuries, including broken limbs and severe facial bruising.

In response to both accidents, the Indonesian authorities quickly mobilized search and rescue teams. A helicopter from nearby Bali was dispatched to the scene of each accident to assist in evacuating the injured climbers. While the evacuation of Emmenegger went relatively smoothly due to favorable weather conditions, the challenges faced during van Hulten’s rescue were more complex. Efforts to airlift van Hulten were initially delayed, but rescue teams eventually succeeded in evacuating her safely.

Both climbers fell within proximity to each other, drawing attention to the particularly treacherous nature of this part of the trail, where previous accidents have also occurred. Their falls were reminiscent of an earlier tragedy that occurred on the mountain, when a Brazilian tourist, Juliana De Souza Pereira Marins, tragically fell into a ravine and died in June 2025. This latest round of incidents has raised questions about the overall safety of hiking on Mount Rinjani.

Previous Accidents and Growing Public Scrutiny

The two recent falls bring the total number of serious accidents on Mount Rinjani in June and July to four. These incidents come only a month after Marins’ death, which was widely criticized for the slow and inadequate response by local rescue teams. Marins, who had fallen on June 21 from a narrow, dangerous section of the trail near the summit, had reportedly survived for some time after the fall. However, due to poor weather conditions and difficult terrain, rescuers were unable to reach her until several days later, by which time she had passed away.

Public outcry over the handling of Marins’ rescue was widespread, with many questioning the competence of local authorities and their preparedness for such situations. The delay in her evacuation has become a focal point in the ongoing discussions about Mount Rinjani’s safety protocols. Reports of frustrated family members and comments from Brazilian citizens have only intensified calls for improvements in the handling of emergencies on the mountain.

In the wake of these incidents, Indonesian officials have vowed to re-evaluate hiking routes and enforce stricter safety measures. Local authorities have promised to implement a more effective review of regulations related to hiking procedures and permit requirements for tourists.

Improving Mount Rinjani’s Safety Measures

The growing number of foreign tourist accidents has prompted the Indonesian government to reconsider its current safety infrastructure. Authorities have acknowledged that while Mount Rinjani’s rugged terrain offers stunning views and attracts a significant number of international trekkers, the risks involved in climbing the mountain are considerable. As a result, several key initiatives have been proposed to reduce the likelihood of accidents and improve safety standards on the trails.

To address these concerns, plans are underway to install permanent safety ropes along critical sections of the mountain. This will be accompanied by better warning signs to guide hikers through more dangerous parts of the trail. In addition to these physical improvements, the government has committed to strengthening training programs for local guides and porters, ensuring they are properly certified and equipped to deal with emergencies.

There have also been calls to overhaul the rescue protocols used by the Mataram Search and Rescue Agency and other organizations involved in mountain rescues. This includes ensuring that rescue teams are more adequately prepared to handle such emergencies, especially in the event of bad weather or difficult terrain. The challenges faced during the rescue of Marins and the more recent evacuations highlight the need for better equipment and coordination between local authorities, tourism providers, and international travelers.

Mount Rinjani’s Popularity and Its Perils

Despite the growing safety concerns, Mount Rinjani remains a popular destination for trekkers seeking an adventurous hiking experience. The mountain, which stands at 3,727 meters, is renowned for its breathtaking views, including the spectacular Segara Anak Lake located in its crater. Many visitors come to the region from around the world to witness the annual migration of wildlife, the stunning landscapes, and the challenging yet rewarding trek to the summit.

However, the allure of Rinjani’s beauty must be balanced against the inherent dangers posed by its steep cliffs, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain. Since 2016, there have been over 200 recorded climbing accidents, with 17 fatalities, many of which involved foreign tourists. These statistics serve as a grim reminder of the risks involved in hiking on such an unforgiving mountain. Mount Rinjani’s history of accidents underscores the need for more robust safety measures to protect visitors while preserving the destination’s appeal.

Conclusion: A Call for Better Regulation

As leases for Mount Rinjani keep drawing people from all over the world, the call for stronger safety measures becomes stronger and louder. Despite promises by the Indonesian government to act, the latest accidents have underscored the urgency of an overhaul not just of the mountain’s safety infrastructure, but also of rescue protocol. With the government now making a concerted effort to clean the place up to make it safer and more family-friendlyfor tourists to visit, surely another balancing act can be to ensure that climbing Mount Rinjani becomes an activity that tourists can undertake without fear of worrying about what would happen if they should get into a sticky situation.

In the meantime, more than 2,000 trekkers per month will not be stepping foot on the volcano that was their main reason for coming to Lombok, and that move is expected to have a big impact on local businesses. The good news is, with the new safety measures being put in place, Mount Rinjani should be able to maintain its status as a premier adventure travel destination while offering additional security to the people who want to climb its challenging trails.

References: Mataram Search and Rescue Agency, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia