Joint Team Evacuates Injured Hiker from Mount Rinjani

Mataram (ANTARA) — A joint team from the Mount Rinjani National Park Agency (TNGR) carried out a medical evacuation by helicopter of a 28-year-old Dutch hiker, identified by the initials ET, who was injured on the Sembalun hiking trail in the Mount Rinjani area of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

“The hiker sustained a leg injury and was unable to stand, requiring immediate medical attention,” Astekita Ardiarsito, head of administration at the TNGR office, said in a statement received in Mataram on Thursday.

He said the agency received a report at 7.27am Central Indonesia Time and immediately coordinated with relevant parties to arrange the evacuation, in accordance with the premium insurance cover held by the hiker.

The medical evacuation was carried out by air. The helicopter arrived at Pelawangan 2 at 12.12pm, and the hiker was flown to Denpasar, arriving at Benoa Heliport before being referred to a hospital, he said.

The TNGR office praised the collaboration of Basarnas Mataram, Asuransi Syariah Kita Bisa, EMHC, SGI Air Bali, Nusa Medika Clinic, volunteers and all personnel involved in the evacuation.

The incident serves as a reminder that safety must be the top priority on every hike. Hikers should prepare physically, use equipment that meets standards and always follow officials’ instructions.

“The success of a hike is not only about reaching the summit, but also about returning safely,” he said.

The agency also urged members of the public and tourists planning to hike to prepare properly and comply with the rules set by the government.

“We urge hikers to continue following the rules to ensure their safety and preserve the Mount Rinjani area,” he said.