TNGR to Evaluate Rinjani Climbing Restrictions Following Protests from Tourism Operators
The Mount Rinjability National Park (TNGR) Office will evaluate the policy restricting climbing activities on Mount Rinjani, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This evaluation is being conducted following opposition to the policy from tourism service providers.
The Head of TNGR, Budhy Kurniawan, stated that the office will spend the next week evaluating the climbing restrictions, which were implemented based on risk levels and the need for mitigation against forest and land fires (Karhutla).
“We will evaluate the restrictions over this week. The results of the evaluation will then be reviewed in accordance with risk mitigation,” said Budhy, when met in Sembalun on Thursday (3/9/2026).
These restrictions do not involve a reduction in the climbing quota for Mount Rinjani. Prospective climbers who have already booked tickets via the e-Rinjani application before the restrictions were implemented are still permitted to climb.
“The quota remains the same. However, those already in the system will proceed. Those who booked before September can still go,” Budhy explained.
Responding to the opposition from tourism service providers within the Rinjani Circle Forum, Budhy stated that their feedback would be part of the evaluation and that their aspirations would be heard.
“We will continue to absorb the aspirations of our colleagues. We will later convey these to the central government,” he added.
Meanwhile, Royal Sembahulun, chairman of the Rinjani Circle Tourism Forum (FWLR), stated that tour operators (TO) will carry lightweight fire extinguishers (APAR) on every climb. He noted this as a commitment from tourism providers to participate in preventing forest and land fires.
“Today, we have conveyed our aspirations to TNGR. Our tour operators will carry small-sized fire extinguishers to take up the mountain; this is our shared commitment to protecting Rinjani,” Royal said briefly.
Previously, the Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) restricted climbing activities on Mount Rinjani, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), starting Tuesday (1/9/2026). The restrictions were implemented to prevent forest and land fires.
The policy follows the Circular Letter from the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, 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.
According to the official announcement issued by TNGR, the limited opening includes climbing tourism, rituals, religious, cultural, social, and research activities.
During this period of limited opening, TNGR will conduct socialisation for the public, prospective climbers, and tourism service providers regarding the vulnerability to forest and land fires. Additionally, patrols and inspections of belongings that could potentially serve as fire sources will be tightened.