Mount Rinjani climbing opened with restrictions to prevent forest fires
Mataram (ANTARA) - The Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) Authority in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has announced that from 1 September 2026, climbing in the Mount Rinjani area of Lombok will be opened with restrictions to prevent area fires during this dry season.
“Nature tourism activities in Mount Rinjani National Park are being opened on a limited basis,” said the Head of the West Nusa Tenggara TNGR Authority, Budhy Kurnlariawan, in Mataram on Tuesday.
He stated that this policy is a follow-up to the Circular Letter from the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry, Number SE.4/KSDAE/SKSDAE/KSA.02.02/08/2026, regarding the temporary closure and limited opening of mountain climbing tourism to prevent forest fires.
“The limited opening includes climbing tourism, rituals, religious, cultural, social, and research activities,” he said.
He noted that during this period of limited opening, security and area supervision will be tightened.
Furthermore, patrols and access control will be increased, and inspections of belongings that could potentially serve as fire sources will be conducted.
“The indiscriminate use of fire is prohibited, and preparedness for forest and land fire prevention will be strengthened alongside relevant parties,” he said.
He added that online booking services via the eRinjani application will be temporarily suspended from 1 September 2026 until the fire risk is declared safe for full reopening.
“Bookings that have been made and paid for before that date can still be serviced according to the applicable provisions,” he said.
The status of future openings will be determined based on the level of fire risk, the progression of the dry season, and the escalation of forest and land fire incidents within the Mount Rinjani National Park area, with evaluations conducted periodically.
“Rinjani remains open, but safety and sustainability are the priorities,” he said.
He urged the public and tourists to work together to protect Rinjani from the threat of fire.
“Do not light fires indiscriminately. Do not leave fire sources behind. Do not take risks,” he said.