Anticipating Forest Fires, Rinjani Mountain Guides Carry Fire Extinguishers During Ascents
Mountain guides are now carrying portable fire extinguishers (APAR) when escorting climbers to the summit of Mount Rinjani, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This is an effort to anticipate the occurrence of forest and land fires (karhutla) along the trekking routes.
The Head of the Administrative Sub-division of Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR), Astekita Ardiaristo, revealed that the rule to carry fire extinguishers to Mount Rinjani is an initiative of individual tour organisers (TO). According to him, carrying fire extinguishers is not part of the standard operating procedures (SOP) for climbing.
“It is not in the SOP, but we appreciate the TO colleagues for this initiative. It serves as a form of joint mitigation and demonstrates the readiness of the TO members to participate in protecting Mount Rinjani,” said Astekita on Tuesday (8/9/2026).
The Chairman of the Senaru Tour Organiser Association (ATOS), Munawir, confirmed that the requirement to carry fire extinguishers is an initiative from tourism service entrepreneurs at Mount Rinjani. Munawir stated that this initiative is one of the mitigation efforts against forest fires in the area.
“This is a form of our commitment as TOs to protect the Mount Riniani area. We are on standby. As the saying goes, ‘prepare the umbrella before it rains’,” said Munawir.
“This is not due to regulations from TNGR, but rather a collective awareness from the association and the forum of tourism service providers,” he added.
Munawir explained that the requirement to carry fire extinguishers began being implemented this month. Climbing on Mount Rinjani is currently limited until the rainy season arrives. If the dry season continues, the rule regarding carrying fire extinguishers will remain in effect.
“Each group only needs to carry one 1-kilogram extinguisher that meets the required standards. In the event of a small fire, guides or porters can immediately perform initial firefighting using the extinguisher,” he explained.
In addition to the requirement to carry fire extinguishers, tour organisers have also established forest fire posts at the climbing entrances. They have also installed socialisation signs to increase awareness regarding the potential dangers of forest fires.
“We have created socialisation signs for forest fire prevention at several strategic points, such as the climbing entrances. We have also established forest fire posts,” added Munawir.