Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – After being closed for three months due to extreme weather warnings from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and ongoing ecosystem restoration, the Mount Rinjani hiking trails in West Nusa Tenggara have officially reopened as of April 3, 2025. This exciting news was announced directly by the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, through a post on his personal Instagram account on Thursday, May 3, 2024.
“I am Raja Juli Antoni, Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, and I want to share the good news that as of April 3, nature lovers and mountain hikers can once again enjoy the beauty of Mount Rinjani,” he said in a video post, quoted on Saturday (April 5, 2025).
Standing at 3,726 meters, Mount Rinjani in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Indonesia. The mountain had been closed since early January 2025 as a precautionary measure against extreme weather and to allow for ecological rehabilitation within the Mount Rinjani National Park area.
In his message, Raja Juli not only congratulated hikers but also reminded them of the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures (SOP) for hiking. “I urge everyone to always follow hiking SOPs, maintain cleanliness, and protect the environment,” he wrote.
He also stressed the importance of safety and security. “Please do not compromise on safety. Always follow the instructions and regulations from our team at Mount Rinjani National Park,” he added. The Minister of Forestry also reminded the public about the classic issue of littering in hiking areas. “Lastly, don’t forget to dispose of your trash properly. Let’s not allow our beautiful Mount Rinjani to become infamous for piles of garbage left behind by irresponsible hikers,” he stated firmly.
The closure and reopening of Mount Rinjani highlight the importance of balancing ecotourism with conservation. With hiking activities now resumed, it is hoped that the beauty of nature will not only be enjoyed but also preserved together.
