(Syamira7/Wikimedia) The natural landscape of Rinjani’s beauty with views of Segara Anak Lake
The Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR) has officially closed the hiking route from Pelawangan Sembalun to Segara Anak Lake in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, starting July 16, 2025. The closure is part of ongoing efforts to improve eco-tourism facilities and ensure sustainable management of the conservation area within the national park.
According to TNGR Head Yarman, the closure will remain in effect until further notice. He emphasized that visitor safety is the top priority in the management of Mount Rinjani National Park.
“Ticket bookings on the e-Rinjani application and climbing activities to and from the Pelawangan Sembalun route to Lake Segara Anak are temporarily closed,” he said in a statement in Mataram, Friday.
Back-to-Back Tourist Accidents on the Closed Route
The closure comes in response to a series of accidents involving international tourists along the now-restricted trail. On July 16, 2025, a Swiss tourist named Benedikt Emmenegger suffered a fall approximately 25 minutes before reaching the Iron Bridge on the way to Segara Anak Lake.
The following day, on July 17, 2025, a Dutch female tourist, Sarah Tamar van Hulten, also fell while descending the same trail. Both incidents occurred on the Pelawangan Sembalun to Segara Anak Lake route.
Yarman noted that the area has become the site of multiple consecutive accidents, prompting the decision to close access for safety reasons.
“Visitors who already have an entrance ticket can do climbing activities according to the time stated on the ticket,” said Yarman.
Search and Rescue Operations Involving Multiple Agencies
Rescue operations for both foreign tourists involved several agencies, including the Mataram and Bali Search and Rescue Offices, the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority, hospitals, volunteers, and mountain guides. The joint effort ensured a coordinated response in a terrain known for its challenges and remote conditions.
Alternative Trails Remain Open to Visitors
Despite the closure, hikers can still access Mount Rinjani through alternative routes. These include the Senaru – Pelawangan Senaru – Segara Anak Lake – Torean trail, as well as the Sembalun – Pelawangan Sembalun – Rinjani Summit route.
The TNGR Authority advises all visitors to comply with the latest guidelines and use only the open and officially designated routes during the temporary closure.
Closure in Effect Until Further Notice
As of now, no reopening date has been announced for the closed trail. The TNGR Authority will continue to assess the situation in coordination with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
Ongoing evaluations will focus on ensuring visitor safety and supporting the sustainable management of Mount Rinjani’s conservation area.
