Juliana's Tragic Fall on Rinjani Sparks Reflection on Mountain Safety

TheIndonesia.co - The death of Brazilian climber Juliana Marins on Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani reveals the unforgiving nature of high-altitude trekking—and the complex challenges faced by guides, rescuers, and international tourism authorities alike.

A Journey Cut Short
What began as an adventure of a lifetime ended in unimaginable tragedy for Juliana Marins that identified as JDSP or Juliana Dias dos Santos Pereira (26), a Brazilian traveller whose body was recovered on June 24th, 2025, after she fell into a ravine on Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano.

Juliana, who had been travelling solo across Southeast Asia, joined a trekking group to summit Rinjani—an awe-inspiring yet perilous destination on the island of Lombok. According to official reports, the fall occurred during the early hours of Saturday, June 21st, when she became separated from her group amid foggy conditions and low visibility.

She was last seen near Pelawangan 4, a high-altitude ridge near the summit. At some point, Juliana reportedly stopped due to exhaustion. In what is believed to be an attempt to rest or regain footing, she slipped down a steep ravine and disappeared from view.

The Search That Gripped Two Nations

The incident prompted an immediate response from the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Gunung Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR), and volunteer mountaineers, all determined to reach Juliana, who—at least in the early stages—was believed to be alive.

According to Antara News Agency, drone surveillance on June 23rd detected a motionless figure approximately 600 meters below the trail, in terrain described as “extremely vertical and unstable.” Search and rescue teams faced immense challenges: rugged cliffs, rapidly changing weather, and dangerous scree slopes made any descent life-threatening.

One SAR official, Muhamad Hariyadi, confirmed that rescuers reached Juliana’s location around 6 p.m. local time on June 24th. “After an initial examination, no signs of life were found,” he said. Additional SAR personnel descended shortly after to confirm her death and wrap the body for evacuation.

Seven members of the SAR team camped overnight near the location—three at an anchor point 400 meters deep, four beside the victim at 600 meters depth. Due to fog and poor visibility, the actual evacuation was postponed to the morning of June 25th.

Juliana’s body was eventually lifted to the Last Known Position (LKP), then carried by stretcher down the Sembalun trail to a base camp. From there, she was airlifted to RS Bhayangkara Hospital in Mataram then to Bali for autopsy and eventual repatriation.

Mourning and Reflection

The Indonesian government, led by the Ministry of Tourism, extended condolences and logistical support to Juliana’s grieving family, who travelled to Lombok to identify her remains. The Acting Regional Secretary of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Moh. Faozal, confirmed that the province provided full transportation, ambulance, and accommodation assistance.

The Ministry also vowed to review and tighten safety protocols on all high-risk tourism activities, including mountain climbing and adventure travel. Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated, “One incident like this can leave a lasting scar on a destination’s reputation. Zero accidents must be our goal.”

A Complex Operation: Not Every Rescue Is Possible

While some voices online expressed frustration over the pace of the rescue, SAR leaders, legislators, and mountaineering experts have pushed back, asking for perspective.

Mori Hanafi, a member of Indonesia’s Parliament (DPR), noted that the rescue was already operating near the limits of its current capabilities. “The process was carried out to the maximum. But these missions also depend on available tools, training, and terrain.”

He called on the government to supply Basarnas NTB with advanced rope systems, state-of-the-art drones, and better mountaineering resources. There was also discussion about stationing a dedicated rescue helicopter in Lombok, though this would require significant investment—not just in the aircraft, but also in pilots, maintenance, and infrastructure.

Rescuers had to make difficult judgment calls. In the end, no helicopter could safely reach Juliana’s narrow, unstable location in time.

Mountaineering Is Beautiful—but Brutal

For many international travellers, Mount Rinjani is a bucket-list destination. But too often, the mountain is underestimated. With an elevation of 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), Rinjani is not a mere hike—it’s a serious expedition involving extreme altitude, loose volcanic ash, freezing overnight temperatures, and minimal shelter. The most challenging sections near the summit are steep, narrow, and exposed to winds and fog.

Trekking groups often begin summit attempts around 2 or 3 a.m. to catch sunrise, but this means navigating in total darkness with only headlamps and limited visibility. The risk of exhaustion, slips, or panic is high.

What We Must Learn—Together

Juliana’s passing is not just a story of loss. It’s a lesson in shared responsibility—between hikers, guides, rescuers, and governments. Here’s what must be taken to heart:

1. Better Equipment Saves Lives
Local SAR teams should be equipped with high-performance rescue gear: thermal imaging drones, satellite phones, vertical rope systems, and professional alpine training. Without these, missions become exponentially harder—and riskier for all involved.

2. Certified, Local Guides Matter
Trekking with certified guides who understand local terrain, weather patterns, and emergency protocols is crucial. Tourists should verify qualifications and climb in regulated groups. Going with unknown or uncertified operators invites unnecessary danger.

3. Mountains Demand Respect
Rinjani is not an “easy climb,” and social media has arguably glamourized it. Travellers must prepare physically, mentally, and logistically—bring gear suitable for high-altitude trekking, not casual hiking.

4. Clear Communication for All Parties
In times of crisis, international embassies, local governments, and SAR teams must ensure timely, consistent updates for the families of missing persons. Delays in communication can deepen emotional trauma.

5. Real Accountability—Not Blame
Families grieving from afar may struggle to understand the real constraints of SAR operations in remote areas. Still, questions must be allowed without defensiveness. Transparency, empathy, and honesty help all sides heal.

A Shared Humanity in Tragedy

Juliana’s story has touched lives across two continents. In Brazil, she is remembered as a bright, kind soul full of curiosity and courage. In Indonesia, her name is now etched into the history of Rinjani—a stark reminder of the mountain’s beauty and peril.

We owe it to her—and to every traveler drawn to the mountains—to do better. To hike wiser. To equip rescuers stronger. To honor life by minimizing loss. Because in the mountains, nothing is ever guaranteed.

In memory of Juliana Marins Dias dos Santos Pereira (1997–2025). May her journey inspire safer paths for all those who follow.