The fall of a Brazilian hiker on Mount Rinjani, a popular trekking destination just east of Bali, has triggered a sprawling search-and-rescue operation involving thermal drones and airlifts.
Sudden weather shift, fatal drop
The tourist, identified as Julian, was reported to have fallen from a cliff edge near Cemara Tunggal on the route to Rinjani’s summit around 06.30 WITA on Saturday, 21 June. Officials say a sudden shift in weather may have caused her to lose footing, plunging her toward the rocky cliffs above Segara Anak crater lake.
After an intensive two-day search, a thermal drone located her body early Monday morning, approximately 500 meters below the point where she fell. According to Mataram SAR chief Muhamad Hariyadi, Julian was found motionless on a rugged slope of volcanic sand and boulders.
Helicopters deployed for extreme terrain
Evacuation has proven immensely challenging due to the steep drop and dense fog in the area.
On Tuesday, the West Nusa Tenggara provincial government confirmed that three helicopters were being mobilized to assist. The aircraft—one from the Indonesian military headquarters (Mabes TNI), another from mining firm PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara, and a third from Julian’s insurance provider—are equipped for aerial lifting and medical evacuation.
“All options are being taken to ensure the fastest and safest recovery,” said NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal on Tuesday, 24 June.
The first helicopter was expected to land at Lombok’s international airport by Tuesday afternoon, while the others remained on standby in BIZAM and Sumbawa Barat.
A popular circuit with real risks
Though Mount Rinjani is located in neighboring Lombok, it remains part of the broader travel loop frequented by expats and international visitors who often pair it with stops in Bali.
Authorities say coordination among SAR teams, park rangers, the military, local volunteers, and porters is ongoing.
As of Tuesday evening, efforts to retrieve Julian’s body were continuing, with drones still being used to confirm coordinates ahead of any aerial retrieval.
