Tourism Operators Reject Rinjani Climbing Restrictions, Questioning Comparison to Kalimantan
The Chairman of the Rinjani Circular Tourism Forum (FWLR), Royal Sembahulking, has rejected the policy to restrict climbing activities on Mount Rinjani, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The policy is deemed detrimental to tourism service entrepreneurs.
Royal assessed that the policy issued by the Minister of Forestry through the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) impacts the local economy, particularly for those involved in tourism around Mount Rinjani.
“In the midst of difficult economic conditions and declining tourist visits, these restrictions are certainly very burdensome. We must ensure that the policies issued do not end up harming the community,” Royal stated on Wednesday (2/9/2026).
Currently, Royal continued, more than 1,000 porters, approximately 600 guides, and over 200 tour operators (TO) depend on their economic activities on Mount Rinjani. The impact is also potentially felt in the transport, hotel, and other tourism sectors.
“When tourists are already in Indonesia, they can find information about Rinjani, become interested, and make bookings. If bookings are closed, this economic chain is broken,” he added.
Royal emphasised that his group supports government measures to prevent forest and land fires (Karhutla). However, the implementation of this policy in Mount Rinjani needs to be evaluated, as the conditions of the Rinjani area are considered different from other regions facing fire threats.
“We support fire prevention. We also do not want fires to occur in Rinjani. But the government must understand the conditions of the area they manage,” said Royal.
Royal noted that fires in Mount Rinjani occur almost every year. According to him, the burnt areas are dominated by savannah and are not always located on climbing trails.
He explained that several previous fires occurred in agricultural areas due to land-clearing activities, and the fire points were far from the climbing routes.
“Looking at the history of fires in Rinjani, the points do not always originate from climber activities. Therefore, we question why Rinjani must be subject to the same policy as areas in Kalimantan,” said Royal.
Royal also highlighted the suspension of online climbing bookings that took effect on 1 September. In his view, although described as a restriction, the cessation of bookings could practically lead to the total halt of climbing activities.
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 is a follow-up to the Circular Letter from the Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, Ministry of Forestry, regarding the temporary closure and limited opening of mountain climbing tourism to prevent forest fires.
Based on the official announcement 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 prospective climbers and tourism service providers regarding the vulnerability to forest fires. Additionally, patrols and inspections of belongings that could potentially be sources of fire will be tightened.
TNGR will also increase its preparedness for forest fire management. This includes the readiness of personnel and infrastructure, as well as coordination with local governments, BNPB, BPBD, TNI/Polri, the community, and relevant stakeholders.