Mount Rinjani: Beauty, Danger, and the Price of Underestimation

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, sits precariously at the convergence of two of the world’s most seismically active regions: the Circum-Mediterranean and the Pacific Ring of Fire. These tectonic boundaries make the country one of the most volcanically active in the world, with more than 120 active and dormant volcanoes peppered across the landscape.

From the infamous Krakatoa to the majestic Mount Bromo and Mount Merapi, these peaks have shaped both the geography and mythology of the land. Among them towers Mount Rinjani, standing at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet) on the island of Lombok, making it the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, after Mount Kerinci in Sumatra.

Rinjani is revered for its stunning beauty: its emerald caldera lake, Segara Anak; cascading waterfalls; steamy hot springs; and panoramic sunrise views from the summit. However, as recent events tragically show, this mountain does not offer guarantees—neither of safety, nor of mercy.

A Series of Accidents: When Beauty Turns Unforgiving

In the span of just two years, a disturbing number of serious accidents—some fatal—have occurred on Mount Rinjani, exposing the hidden dangers lurking behind its enchanting facade.

In October 2024, Paul Farrel, a 31-year-old Irish hiker, slipped on loose volcanic gravel and fell over 200 meters. According to the BBC footage, miraculously, he survived with only minor injuries, sheltering under a rock until he was evacuated to safety. His rescue was hampered by poor signal reception and challenging terrain.

Just days earlier, Alexandra Rusmordovina, a 44-year-old Russian hiker, sustained multiple injuries, including broken bones and head trauma, after attempting an unauthorized solo ascent. It took rescue teams five hours to locate and retrieve her.

Another harrowing incident occurred when Kaifat Rafi Mubarrok, a 16-year-old Indonesian hiker, fell from a cliff in Pelawangan Sembalun. His body was discovered eight days later, 200 meters below the trail.

Shortly after, another Russian national, Vladimir (34), hiked illegally and fell in the Kali Mati area. He had tried to avoid park rangers and was ultimately rescued thanks to a social media plea from a friend.

Then, in May 2025, Rennie Bin Abdul Ghani, a 57-year-old Malaysian hiker, fell 100 meters from the dangerous Torean Trail. His body was recovered the following day with the help of thermal drones and specialized rescue equipment.

Another Malaysian, Mohd Hafidz (38), suffered multiple injuries on the Sembalun Trail while trying to avoid a porter. He was hospitalized with serious damage to his neck, back, and legs.

The Tragedy of Juliana Marins: A Wake-Up Call

Perhaps the most heartbreaking recent case was that of Juliana de Souza Pereira Marins (JDSP), a 26-year-old Brazilian from Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro. On June 21st, 2025, during a pre-dawn summit push, she became separated from her group in dense fog and poor visibility.

Exhausted, she reportedly asked to rest and was left behind. She is believed to have fallen 300 meters from the main trail in the darkness. Drone footage later confirmed she was alive and conscious after the initial fall, visible on a slope far below.

A drone footage captured by other hikers revealed her location on a slope below the main trail. The footage confirmed that she was alive and conscious after her initial fall. Due to the rugged terrain, dense fog and low temperatures, emergency crews were initially unable to reach her.

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 Marins, 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.

Her body was carefully recovered and flown first to RS Bhayangkara Hospital in Mataram, then to Bali Mandara Hospital (RSUD Bali Mandara) for an autopsy, before being repatriated to Brazil.

Forensic specialist Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Alit later in Bali Mandara Hospital confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma, not hypothermia, as some had speculated.

“She suffered multiple fractures to her spine, chest, and femur, leading to massive internal bleeding,” he explained. “There was no evidence that she survived long after the fall.”

The Brazilian government, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, covered all costs for her return home.   In a solemn message on social media, Lula expressed “great sadness” at the tragedy and extended full diplomatic support to the Marins family.

Meanwhile, Juliana's father, Manoel Marins, made an emotional statement in social media Instagram, “I missed you so much yesterday, I cried a lot. I didn't sleep well, my daughter. I love you so much, so much, so much. Rest your arms to the dear Father. May God bless your reach with.”

The Legend and Legacy of Rinjani

According to historical records found in palm leaf manuscripts at the Leiden Museum and the NTB State Museum, Rinjani was once called Mount Samalas. A massive eruption in 1257 from this volcano is believed to have triggered global climate changes, with ash layers found as far away as the Arctic.

The name “Rinjani” evolved from “Rara Anjani”, a legendary guardian goddess of the Sasak people of Lombok. Myth tells of Dewi Anjani, a beautiful deity who protects nature and watches over the mountain. The eruption created a caldera that now houses Mount Barujari, a smaller volcano that continues to smoulder within the lake.

Preparation Is Not Optional—It’s Critical

Mount Rinjani offers more than just breathtaking views. The journey takes hikers through lush jungles, steep ridges, alpine grasslands, hot springs, and finally to its famed crater rim. But these are not casual trails—they’re unpredictable, strenuous, and demand a high level of fitness, preparation, and respect.

Many trekkers and hikers underestimate the environment, expecting cell signals at 2,000 meters, immediate helicopter access, and quick rescues. The reality is far more unforgiving.

For anyone planning to hike Mount Rinjani, the following precautions are essential:

• Register with TNGR (Gunung Rinjani National Park)
• Hire licensed guides and porters
• Undergo a health check before summiting
• Carry essential items, including:
• First-aid kit
• Adequate drinking water
• Thermal blanket
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Full protective clothing (including gloves, balaclava, and windproof layers)
• Emergency knife or multi-tool
• Lighter and whistle
• Monitor weather forecasts and respect local advice

Rescue operations in these regions are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and frequently hampered by bad weather. Even with drones and thermal imaging, navigating sheer cliffs and unstable scree slopes in dense fog is life-threatening work.

A Mountain of Beauty and Warning

Mount Rinjani remains a place of profound awe—a spiritual, geological, and ecological marvel. But it’s also a mountain that demands humility.

For those who come to conquer it, may they remember: In the mountains, nothing is ever guaranteed. Rinjani does not compromise with carelessness. She gives beauty, yes—but only to those who respect her rules.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Juliana Marins, and to all those who have suffered loss or injury on these trails. And to the tireless rescue workers and local volunteers who risk their lives to save others—thank you. Your courage and compassion are the quiet heartbeats of every story that doesn't end in tragedy.