Mount Rinjani's Senaru Trail Reopens After Forest Fires

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) Office in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) announced that the Senaru hiking trail in North Lombok Regency leading up the volcano has reopened after a temporary closure triggered by forest fires in the area.

Astekita Ardiarsito, head of the TNGR Administration Sub-Division, stated in Mataram on Saturday that following joint fire suppression efforts and thorough evaluations with key stakeholders, the park authority declared the Senaru hiking trail ready to welcome visitors once again.

“The Senaru hiking trail reopens starting October 3, 2026,” he said.

He explained that the decision came after officials confirmed all flames were completely extinguished and inspected hiking infrastructure to guarantee visitor safety and security.

“Hikers planning a trek can register online through the eRinjani application,” he said.

With Senaru back in service, five official routes across Mount Rinjani National Park have resumed normal operations: Sembalun, Senaru, Tibanuh, Tetebatu, and Aik Berik. “Currently, five hiking trails are fully open,” he said.

Previously, forest fires along the Senaru and Torean routes swept across the terrain, feeding on pine stands, undergrowth, brush, grass, mountain savanna, leaf litter, and other ground vegetation.

“Based on preliminary monitoring through September 29, 2026, the affected area reached 1,098.75 hectares, with no new or spreading hotspots detected,” he said. “This figure remains a preliminary estimate and will be updated following ground inspections, drone mapping, and boundary verification.”

He noted that park personnel conducted aerial surveillance using drones from a distance of 350 meters to assess the scorched areas. The lingering hotspots were confined to isolated, previously charred standing trees that posed no risk of spreading.

“Our teams remain on standby to prevent any potential re-ignition. Surveillance is being strengthened through field patrols and visitor gear inspections,” he said.

The forest fire at Setampol Hill, located within the Torean Resort area of Mount Rinjani, first broke out on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Read: Fact Check: Is Indonesia Using Advanced Technology to Fight Forest Fires?

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