Autopsy of a Climb: Lessons from Juliana Marins' Rinjani Tragedy

TheIndonesia.co - When news first broke about the disappearance of a Brazilian hiker on Mount Rinjani, she was known only by her initials — JDSP. Days later, her full identity emerged: Juliana Dias dos Santos Pereira Marins or Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old traveller with a heart for adventure and the world at her feet.

But on June 21st, 2025, her journey came to a tragic end. Juliana fell while hiking along the challenging Cemara Nunggal section of Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most majestic — and most unforgiving — peaks. As her story unfolded in the public eye, so did speculation and grief. Some early reports suggested hypothermia as a cause of death. Others questioned whether she had been left behind.

Now, with the official autopsy results released and a clearer picture of the terrain, timeline, and rescue efforts, it's time to reflect — not to accuse, but to understand what happened and how such a tragedy might be prevented in the future.

A Life Lost to Nature’s Force — Not the Cold

According to Antara News Agency, Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Alit, a forensic specialist from Bali Mandara Hospital, led the postmortem examination after Juliana’s body was recovered and brought to Bali at the request of her family. In his statement to the press, he confirmed that the cause of death was not hypothermia, as some initial assumptions had suggested. Instead, it was blunt force trauma, sustained during a fall into a steep ravine — injuries severe enough to cause multiple fractures and internal bleeding.

“We found multiple sliding bruises and signs of blunt trauma across the body, especially on the back,” Dr. Alit stated. “The injuries caused fractures in the spine, chest, and femur. These led to massive internal bleeding, especially in the chest cavity.”

While toxicology results are still pending, there were no signs of prolonged suffering. “There’s no evidence that the victim was alive for long after the incident,” he added, gently dispelling rumours that Juliana had been left behind and succumbed slowly to exposure.

The body had been preserved in a freezer before examination, making it difficult to confirm or deny signs of hypothermia. However, medical indicators clearly point to the fall itself as the fatal event.

Rinjani: A Mountain of Beauty and Risk

Towering at 3,726 meters above sea level, Mount Rinjani is a dream destination for hikers around the world. Its panoramic views, volcanic landscapes, and crater lake are undeniably breathtaking — but so is its danger.

The trail where Juliana Marins fell, Cemara Nunggal, lies along the Sembalun route, known for being the longest path to the summit. Though considered manageable in terms of elevation, it presents its own serious hazards. The Cemara Nunggal segment, located around 2,800 meters above sea level, is notorious for its narrow, foggy trails and steep cliff edges.

The path is often cloaked in thick mist, and its footing — a mix of volcanic gravel and loose stone — can quickly become slippery, especially after rain. The physical challenge demands not just stamina, but constant attention, focus, and proper outdoor gear.

Unfortunately, Rinjani’s beautiful surroundings can lull visitors into underestimating the risks.

The Climb: What Happened on June 21st?

Juliana Marins was part of a group of six international hikers, all guided by a local trekking operator. They had joined a tour package costing around IDR2.5 million. As the group moved through the trail on that Saturday morning, Juliana was reported to have taken a break alone, while the others continued forward. It’s believed she became separated during this time.

When the guide returned to check on her, Juliana was no longer at the rest point. A search began immediately, but given the rugged terrain and lack of signal coverage, it took time to alert authorities and launch a coordinated response.

Her body was found five days later, about 600 meters below the main hiking trail, lying face-down on a bed of jagged rocks in a ravine.

The Rescue: A Quiet, Tireless Effort

While some social media posts questioned the speed and effectiveness of the search, rescue teams had acted quickly under extremely difficult conditions. The Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), supported by the military, police, and local volunteers, began a SAR operation soon after receiving the report.

On June 24th, a climber and SAR officer named Khafid Hasyadi managed to reach Juliana’s location by descending a rope system (karmantel) from a point 400 meters above. But with thick fog and falling daylight, the team could not safely retrieve her body that night. Instead, they stayed with her, establishing a temporary camp in the ravine.

The next morning, the team carefully lifted Juliana’s body using specialized rescue techniques and carried her on foot through 8 kilometers of forest and rocky trail to Sembalun Base Camp. Bad weather grounded a helicopter meant to speed the evacuation, but the team persisted.

She was eventually brought to a hospital in Mataram, and later transferred to Denpasar, Bali, for a full forensic autopsy, in accordance with her family’s request.

Preparedness Is a Shared Responsibility

The tragedy of Juliana Marins — or JDSP, as she was first known — underscores the importance of proper preparation and awareness when trekking in extreme environments. While the investigation continues and authorities are reviewing the role of the guide and porters, this is not a moment for blame — it's a time for reflection.

Hikers, especially those new to high-altitude climbing, must understand the physical and mental demands of trails like Rinjani’s. That means:

• Wearing full, weather-appropriate hiking gear, not everyday clothing like jeans.
• Carrying essentials such as gloves, layered clothing, headlamps, and rain protection.
• Staying close to the group at all times, and clearly communicating with guides about fatigue or discomfort.
• Knowing that mountain terrain is not a photo backdrop — it’s a living, shifting landscape that requires vigilance and respect.
• For trekking operators, transparency and safety measures are vital — from properly screening hikers to ensuring thorough briefings before the climb.

A Memory Carried Forward

Juliana Marins came to Indonesia seeking adventure, beauty, and connection — something many of us deeply understand. Her passing is heartbreaking, but it also invites us to move forward with greater awareness, care, and responsibility.

The SAR teams who retrieved her worked not for cameras or applause, but out of a deep conviction: that every life is worth fighting for, and every fallen hiker deserves to be brought home.

Her story has now reached far beyond the slopes of Rinjani — touching not only those who knew her, but also thousands of hikers, guides, and travellers who walk similar paths.

Let her memory remind us: in the face of nature, courage must be matched by caution. And above all, that no mountain — no matter how beautiful — should be taken lightly.

In memory of Juliana Marins. May her journey guide others toward safer adventure.