TNGR Removes Ornaments at Segara Anak Lake Following Environmentalist Protests
The Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) management has removed ornaments installed in the Segara Anak Lake area of Mount Rinjani, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This policy was implemented following protests from environmental activists.
The ornaments, which featured the ‘South Gate of Sangkareang’ motif and the text ‘Danau Segara Anak’, were positioned near the lake. However, their presence met with strong opposition from environmental groups.
The opposition was led by a community known as the Forum Rinjani Bagus (FRB), which launched a petition to reject the installation.
“We reject the existence of these ornaments. Instead of enhancing the area, their presence disrupts the natural scenery and damages the visual integrity of the landscape. Furthermore, the construction of facilities in conservation areas must adhere to environmental protection regulations, zoning suitability, and land-use designations,” wrote Sobah Mahdi, an environmental activist from FRB, on his Facebook account.
He noted that Segara Anak Lake does not require such ornaments, as their presence was deemed detrimental to the area’s natural beauty.
“Segara Anak Lake does not need ornaments to be beautiful. Its beauty is naturally present, formed by the mountain landscape, the lake waters, and the ecosystem that is a vital part of Rinjani’s richness,” he added.
Mahdi demanded that the ornaments be dismantled and removed from the Segara Anak Lake area. Additionally, he urged TNGR to refrain from installing similar structures throughout the Mount Rinjani area in the future.
“We declare our rejection of these ornaments and demand that the structures on the shores of Segara Anak Lake be immediately dismantled and removed. We also demand that similar actions are not repeated anywhere in the Rinjani area under any pretext,” he asserted.
Responding to the protests, the Head of the TNGR Administrative Sub-division, Astekita Ardiaristo, confirmed that the ornaments have been removed. He stated that the criticisms and feedback provided by environmentalists would serve as a basis for future evaluation.
“The ornaments at Segara Anak Lake have been removed. Thank you for the input, friends who love Mount Rinjani. This will serve as material for our future evaluation,” said Astekita.