Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut), in collaboration with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), is committed to strengthening synergy and evaluating the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safety and rescue operations across all conservation areas. This SOP review includes mountain hiking trails throughout Indonesia.
On Monday morning (June 30, 2025), Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni met directly with the Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, at the Basarnas Headquarters in Jakarta to discuss the matter.
Following the meeting, the Minister of Forestry stated to the media that conservation areas are not only places for preserving nature but also public spaces where people can enjoy Indonesia’s natural beauty.
However, he emphasized that safety must always come first.
“That’s why SOPs in all conservation areas must continuously be improved and tightened,” said Minister Raja Juli Antoni in his official statement.
He further explained that several steps were discussed during the meeting, including the installation of safety signage at high-risk locations, increasing the number and spacing of safety posts, and the utilization of technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) to enhance detection in emergency situations.
The tragic accident involving Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins on Mount Rinjani, Lombok, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of improving safety standards across all conservation zones.
Although emergency response efforts were maximized by Basarnas and volunteers, the government sees a need for comprehensive improvements in procedures, infrastructure, and public education.
The Ministry of Forestry also plans to enhance certification for tour and hiking guides and to develop a classification system for the hazard levels of hiking trails.
This classification system will help match hikers with trails based on their experience and preparedness.
During the meeting, both institutions also agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between the Ministry of Forestry and Basarnas concerning emergency response in conservation areas.
This improved collaboration also includes educating the public on the importance of preparedness and responsibility before entering conservation zones.
“Exploring a national park is not an ordinary tourist activity—it requires preparation, knowledge, and awareness of existing risks,” the Minister emphasized.
Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, Head of Basarnas, stressed the importance of increasing the capacity of SAR potential across conservation areas.
“We will involve more volunteers and local community members, including local porters with exceptional physical abilities, to be trained and prepared as part of the SAR potential team,” he said. (*)
