Mount Rinjani Closed as Year-End Weather Raises Safety Concerns for Climbers

Indonesian authorities have temporarily closed all climbing routes on Mount Rinjani, citing heightened safety risks and the need to protect the mountain’s fragile ecosystem as weather conditions deteriorate toward the end of the year.

The Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR) announced that the closure applies to all official hiking trails, including Senaru, Sembalun, Torean, Timbanuh, Tetebatu and the Aik Berik educational route. The shutdown will remain in effect from early January through the end of March, a period officials say coincides with the most hazardous conditions for high-altitude trekking on the Lombok volcano.

According to park authorities, the decision was driven largely by the increasingly unpredictable and hostile weather patterns that dominate Mount Rinjani during the late-year rainy season. Heavy rainfall, dense fog, strong winds and rapidly changing temperatures significantly increase the risk of accidents for climbers, guides and porters.

“End-of-year conditions on Rinjani are not conducive to safe climbing,” said Budhy Kurniawan, head of the Mount Rinjani National Park Office to the Indonesia News Agency, Antara, Tuesday (13/1/2026). “Slippery trails, unstable soil and limited visibility are common during this period, and these factors pose serious dangers, even for experienced hikers.”

Slippery and Wet

Mount Rinjani, standing at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and one of Southeast Asia’s most popular trekking destinations. Each year, thousands of domestic and international climbers attempt to reach its summit or explore the crater rim overlooking Segara Anak Lake. However, the mountain’s popularity has also amplified concerns over safety and environmental degradation.

During the rainy season, which typically peaks between December and February, Rinjani’s steep slopes become particularly treacherous. Prolonged rainfall loosens volcanic soil, increasing the likelihood of landslides along narrow trails. Wooden steps and handrails can become slick with mud and moss, while river crossings swell rapidly after downpours.

Search and rescue teams have repeatedly warned that poor weather during this period complicates emergency response efforts. Thick fog often blankets the mountain by midday, reducing visibility to just a few meters and making navigation difficult. Sudden temperature drops at higher elevations also raise the risk of hypothermia, especially for climbers who are ill-prepared or underestimate the mountain’s conditions.

Park officials say the temporary closure is intended not only to prevent accidents but also to give the ecosystem time to recover. Intense foot traffic during wet conditions accelerates erosion and damages alpine vegetation that grows slowly in Rinjani’s harsh environment.

“The rainy season is a critical recovery period for the mountain,” Kurniawan said. “Limiting human activity allows trails, soil and vegetation to stabilize naturally.”

Maintenance Plan

During the closure, the park authority plans to carry out maintenance work on hiking routes and facilities, including trail reinforcement, waste management improvements and evaluations of safety protocols. Officials say the measures are part of a broader effort to promote more responsible and sustainable mountain tourism.

Environmental groups and trekking organizers have generally welcomed the decision, noting that Mount Rinjani has seen a series of climbing-related incidents in recent years, many of which occurred during periods of poor weather. They argue that temporary closures, though inconvenient for tourism operators, are necessary to reduce fatalities and long-term environmental damage.

Authorities have urged prospective climbers to monitor official announcements and avoid attempting unauthorized ascents during the closure period. Illegal entry, they warned, could result in penalties and place additional strain on rescue teams.

The park is expected to reopen climbing routes once weather conditions improve and safety assessments are completed, typically at the start of the dry season in April. (Sulung Prasetyo)