New and stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been introduced for climbers of Mount Rinjani in Lombok as Mount Rinjani National Park reopens.
The park was closed following a series of accidents last month that resulted in one casualty and several injuries.
Under the new regulations, all climbers must provide a health certificate and insurance information. Those under 17 or without prior climbing experience are required to be accompanied by a certified guide. A strict guide-to-climber ratio has been set, with one guide permitted for every five climbers, and porters provided for every two to three climbers. All visitors must attend a safety briefing before beginning their trek.
Tour operators are responsible for ensuring climbers carry essential equipment, including warm clothing, sleeping bags, and first aid kits. To protect the natural environment, disruptive devices such as active speakers are prohibited.
Vicky Gosal, founder of Karash Adventure Indonesia, said: “The climbing routes on Rinjani have been upgraded. Many previously dangerous routes have been improved, especially in the Torean section that cross cliff edges. Safety measures have been added at vulnerable points, although it’s certainly not possible to fence all routes.”
He added that a rescue post has now been established in Pelawangan, equipped with ropes and other emergency gear.
Dewantoro Umbu Joka, chairman of the ASITA West Nusa Tenggara Chapter, highlighted that all bookings must now be made through the park’s official app. While welcoming the new regulations, he emphasised the need to continually review and improve them to prevent serious accidents in the future.
Vicky noted that the more detailed SOPs have led to longer waiting times for climbers. He suggested streamlining the administrative process and accepting health certificates issued in a climber’s place of origin to reduce delays.
Both Vicky and Dewantoro agreed on the importance of professional and competent guides to ensure safety and quality during the climb.
