New Year, Ascent to Mount Rinjani Closed Completely. Climbing Reopened In April

SELONG - At the start of the new year of January 1, 2018, the Rinjani climbing route will be closed for three months until the end of March 2018. It is estimated that during the closure there will be rain and even a storm that could threaten the safety of the climbers. This was conveyed by Head of TNGR Mataram, Agus Budi Santoso in Radar Lombok, Thursday (14/12). "Actually, mid-December is already closed, but if too early close the citizens who make a living there," he said.

So for various considerations and one of the above then it is agreed that the closure will be implemented starting next new year. So it is expected if there are climbers who want to apply the new year in Rinjani then it should rise or rise before the new year.

Related to the appeal and socialization of this closure, Agus claimed to have been in contact with all embassies in Jakarta and all neighboring countries, all regional heads up to Kadesh at the location of the climb route. Socialization is also done through banners, RRI and other media. "And more importantly, on the field we take a 24 hour vigil to Rinjani, involving several elements of the community and Mitra Polhut.

Appealed to the entire community of NTB and also climbers who come from outside the region or abroad to pay attention to this in order to avoid disaster or accidents while climbing. So people or climbers do not dare to break through the climb when finished close, because this will be very dangerous. In addition, there is no way to go later because all entrances will be guarded 24 hours by the officers.

The tragic tragedy occurred in Rinjani in the 1980s that killed 7 students from a university in East Lombok. The seven students were found dead around the pelawangan area due to rain and hurricanes. Therefore it is said to be very vulnerable to disasters if the climb is not closed.

Rinjani climbing route will be very dangerous if in the rainy season especially when high winds blowing hard. Because in this path other than steep is also narrow to the left of the precise steep cliff form that is feared would be very dangerous if passed by climbers. "The purpose of the climb is to travel, not to come and then get a disaster, so to anticipate it, the closure will be done until next March which is the security reason for visitors," he said.

The second reason is to provide ecosystems that exist around the Rinjani path. It is said around the track track of climbing there are many creatures or animals that have been disturbed because of crowded climbers who pass. So this closing opportunity is expected to provide an opportunity for the existing ecosystem to breed and not be disturbed by human activity. Incidentally when the closing will be done is expected to the occurrence of breeding season.

Alluding to the flow of visits is said until the end of December next estimated level of visits to Rinjani reach 100 thousand more people. Thus the average visitor achievement per month reaches eight thousand more.

source, https://radarlombok.co.id