Understanding the new national standard for mountain trail difficulty across Indonesia’s national parks and nature reserves.
Indonesia’s vast archipelago is home to hundreds of volcanoes and mountain ranges, offering everything from easy scenic walks to extreme multi-day expeditions. Yet, until recently, Indonesia had no unified national standard to classify the difficulty of its hiking trails. This gap often led to confusion among hikers and even tragic accidents, as climbers underestimated the challenges of certain routes.
To address this, Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and the Federasi Mountaineering Indonesia (FMI) introduced the Indonesian Mountain Grading System (IMGS) — the first standardized risk-based classification system for mountain hiking routes in national parks (Taman Nasional, TN) and nature recreation areas (Taman Wisata Alam, TWA).
The IMGS was developed using the HIRARC framework (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control), ensuring that every mountain trail is evaluated using measurable criteria. The system helps hikers prepare appropriately, while also serving as a guideline for park managers to improve safety, rescue readiness, and sustainable trail management.
Why the Grading System Matters
Mountain climbing in Indonesia is not mass tourism—it’s a form of eco-adventure that carries real risk. The 2025 reform followed several fatal incidents, including the death of Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins at Mount Rinjani, which prompted a nationwide review of hiking safety.
Each mountain poses unique challenges: steep volcanic slopes, changing weather, sulfur exposure, remote terrain, and even encounters with wildlife. The new grading system helps hikers assess their readiness and choose trails that match their skill and fitness level.
It also enables local authorities to apply risk-based management, influencing regulations for guide requirements, rescue facilities, insurance coverage, and visitor quotas—especially for mountains classified as Grade IV or V.
How the IMGS Works
The IMGS evaluates trails across six dimensions, covering both environmental and operational risks:
| No | Dimension | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morphology | Slope gradient, terrain type (rocky, sandy, muddy), and presence of technical climbs or scrambles. |
| 2 | Geography & Accessibility | Trail length, elevation gain, water sources, campsites, shelters, and access to roads. |
| 3 | Climate & Weather | Rainfall, temperature extremes, fog, wind speed, and weather unpredictability. |
| 4 | Biological Aspects | Risks from wildlife or toxic plants that may affect hikers’ safety. |
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Each factor receives a score between 1 and 3, leading to a total score that determines the mountain’s grade (I – V).
The Five Grades Explained
| Grade | Category | Score Range | General Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade I | Very Easy | 12–15 | Gentle slopes (<15°), short trails (<5 km), clear paths, and low risk. Suitable for beginners and day hikes, such as Mount Bromo. |
| Grade II | Easy | 16–20 | Moderate slopes (15–25°), longer trails (5–8 km), mild weather. May require basic preparation; examples include Mount Batur and Kawah Ijen. |
| Grade III | Intermediate | 21–24 | Steeper slopes (25–35°), 8–12 km routes, variable terrain, and overnight camping. Requires navigation and fitness—typical of Mount Gede Pangrango or Mount Ciremai. |
| Grade IV | Hard | 25–29 | Extended multi-day treks with elevations >3,000 m, challenging terrain, and complex logistics. Examples: Mount Rinjani, Mount Kerinci, and Mount Semeru. |
| Grade V | Very Hard / Extreme | 30–36 | Extremely steep, remote, and high-altitude routes requiring technical gear, advanced navigation, and rescue capability. Examples: Carstensz Pyramid, Mount Trikora, and Mount Leuser (Blangkejeren route). |
The IMGS recognizes that not all mountains are created equal — even within one peak, different routes can fall under different grades based on access and terrain.
Mountain Grades Across Indonesia
The 2025 IMGS assessment evaluated 81 hiking routes across Indonesia’s national parks and nature recreation areas.
🏔️ Grade V – Extremely Difficult
- Mount Leuser (Blangkejeren route) – TN Gunung Leuser
- Carstensz Pyramid (Lembah Kuning route) – TN Lorentz
- Mount Trikora (Habema route) – TN Lorentz
🧗 Grade IV – Hard
- Mount Argopuro (Baderan–Bermi)
- Mount Bukit Raya (Rantau Malam / Tumbang Habangoi)
- Mount Gandang Dewata (Paku / Rante Pongko)
- Mount Semeru (Ranupane–Summit)
- Mount Kerinci (Bukit Bontak)
- Mount Binaiya (Piliana / Huwaulu)
- Mount Rinjani (multiple routes: Sembalun, Senaru, Torean, Tetebatu, Air Berik, Timbaluh)
⛰️ Grade III – Intermediate
- Mounts Gede & Pangrango (Cibodas, Gunung Putri, Selabintana)
- Mount Ciremai (Sadarehe, Apuy, Palutungan, Linggarjati, Linggasana)
- Mount Merbabu (Cuntel, Suwanting, Thekelan, Wekas, Selo)
- Mount Merapi (Sapuangin)
- Mount Tambora (Pancasila / Kawinda To’i)
- Mount Halimun Salak (Cidahu, Pasir Reungit, Ajisaka, Cimalati)
- Mount Kelimutu (Ratebeke)
- Mount Tujuh Kerinci, Mount Masurai, Mount Singgalang, Mount Marapi, Mount Kelam
🌋 Grade II – Easy
- Kawah Ijen (Paltuding route)
- Mount Batur (Toya Bungkah, Purajati, Bukit Selat)
- Mount Papandayan (Kawah–Pondok Selada)
- Bukit Kaba (Sumber Urip, Air Sempiang)
- Mount Ambang (Liberia / Bongkudai)
- Mount Bulubaria, Mount Bulusaraung, Mount Maras
- Danau Tanralili & Lembah Lohe, Mount Lembah Gedong, Mount Kondo (Sembalun 7 Summits)
🌱 Grade I – Very Easy
- Mount Bromo (Pura–Summit)
- Mount Permisan (Bukit Nenek)
- Lembah Ramma and Danau Slank trails in Malino
Safety, Management, and Sustainability
Each grade dictates specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for park authorities:
- Guides and Porters: Compulsory for Grade III–V; certified and registered with national standards (BNSP).
- Insurance: Required for all grades.
- Zero-Waste Principle: All trails enforce “carry-in, carry-out” waste management.
- SAR Equipment: Mandatory for Grade III–V, including shelters, first-aid posts, and potential helipad access.
- E-Ticketing and Cashless Payment: Implemented across all grades to improve transparency.
For high-grade mountains (IV – V), only hikers with prior experience on lower-grade routes are allowed to register.
The IMGS aims to achieve a “Zero Accident, Zero Waste” culture in Indonesia’s mountain tourism. By introducing a uniform national grading system, the country is not only enhancing safety but also promoting responsible adventure and conservation awareness.
For hikers, the message is clear. Know your grade, prepare accordingly, and climb responsibly. (Sulung Prasetyo)
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