Indonesia Reviews Mount Rinjani Safety Protocols Following Tourist Fatality

JAKARTA, Indonesia — In response to the tragic death of Brazilian tourist Juliana De Souza Pereira Marins, who fell into a ravine while climbing Mount Rinjani, Indonesian lawmakers and local officials are reviewing the safety protocols and rescue procedures in place for hikers on the popular volcano. The incident has drawn significant attention both locally and internationally, leading to concerns over the adequacy of current regulations governing hiking activities.

On June 21, 2025, Marins, 27, fell into the ravine during a climbing expedition. She was reported missing after her group, which included a local guide, decided to continue their ascent without her due to time constraints and deteriorating weather conditions. Rescuers were able to locate her days later, but adverse weather and challenging terrain hampered evacuation efforts. She was ultimately found deceased on June 24, raising questions about the effectiveness of the search-and-rescue operations.

House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad announced that a hearing will be convened with relevant agencies to evaluate the incident and propose improvements. "We have instructed lawmakers from the relevant commission to visit Mount Rinjani and provide recommendations to the government regarding the accident," Ahmad stated on June 26, as reported by Kompas.com. However, specific details regarding the timeline and the commission leading the investigation remain unclear.

In tandem, West Nusa Tenggara Deputy Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri emphasized the provincial government's commitment to reevaluating regulations surrounding hiking permits and procedures. "We will work on improving the regulations; we do not want incidents like this to happen again in the future. The West Nusa Tenggara administration is committed to providing a safe and comfortable experience for tourists," Putri remarked on June 26.

The circumstances surrounding Marins' death have been met with outrage, particularly in Brazil, where her family set up an Instagram account to raise awareness and rally support, gaining over 1.7 million followers in a matter of days. They voiced concerns over the perceived inadequacy and delays in the rescue efforts, stating, "Juliana suffered severe neglect by the rescue team. Juliana would still be alive if the team had gotten to her within the estimated time of seven hours."

Public sentiment echoed these frustrations, with many Brazilian netizens questioning the competence of the Indonesian rescue teams and criticizing the lack of necessary equipment. Some commentators suggested that Marins' death could have been prevented had she been reached sooner.

In response to the backlash, Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Syafi’i, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, expressed his condolences and defended the agency's response time. "I assure you that we responded very quickly, and rescuers were deployed to the site immediately. Throughout the operation, we adhered to standard evacuation procedures while prioritizing the safety of our personnel," he stated. Syafi'i noted that Marins’ location was particularly challenging to access due to the steep ravine at an altitude of 9,000 feet (2.74 kilometers).

As the investigation continues, the family of Marins has sought an autopsy to determine the precise cause and time of her death. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety protocols in place for hikers in Indonesia, a country known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, yet fraught with potential hazards for climbers.

Experts in mountain safety have pointed out the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems on popular hiking trails. Dr. Michael Thompson, a mountaineering safety expert and lecturer at the University of British Columbia, emphasized, "The tragic loss of life in such incidents often highlights systemic issues that require immediate attention, including better signage, more accessible rescue routes, and training for local guides."

As Indonesia enhances its tourism sector, ensuring the safety of visitors must remain a priority. The implications of this incident extend beyond regulatory reforms, highlighting the essential need for comprehensive risk management strategies that could prevent future tragedies on Mount Rinjani and other popular trekking destinations in the archipelago.