Adventure-based nature tourism has experienced a surge in popularity over the past few decades. Mountains, offering both breathtaking beauty and physical challenges, have become favored destinations among both domestic and international travelers. However, this rise in tourism is not always matched by adequate safety systems.
Over the past two months, Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most popular hiking destinations, has experienced two alarming incidents that have drawn global attention.
In late June, a tourist from Brazil lost their life on the mountain, and on Wednesday (Jul. 16), a Swiss national fell along the hiking trail, suffering multiple fractures. These incidents highlight the urgent need for risk mitigation in managing natural tourism.
Chair of the UGM Board of Professors, Professor M. Baiquni of the Faculty of Geography, emphasized that Mount Rinjani’s topography should not be underestimated.
Drawing on his personal experience hiking Rinjani in 1983, he explained that the terrain, shaped by volcanic activity, features steep cliffs, sharp calderas, and exposure to sulfur gas, all of which pose serious risks to inexperienced hikers.
“Mount Rinjani was formed by magma intrusion that uplifted the island of Lombok. The steep caldera, sharp ridges, and the presence of Segara Anak Lake make it distinct from non-volcanic mountain ranges like the Alps or Andes,” he explained on Thursday (Jul. 17).
According to Professor Baiquni, hiking risks stem not only from the physical landscape but also from psychological unpreparedness and lack of education among tourists. Many hikers assume Rinjani’s terrain is similar to that of other popular mountains, when in fact, volcanic landscapes present different hazards.
Without adequate knowledge, the body’s reaction to extreme environments can lead to poor and dangerous decisions.
“Tourists unfamiliar with volcanic mountain characteristics can become disoriented or even hallucinate when exposed to sulfur or when trekking at high altitudes with thin oxygen levels,” he added.
Professor Baiquni emphasized that hiking is not merely about physical endurance; it also requires emotional discipline and self-management. He underscored the importance of mental preparedness and self-awareness, asserting that hiking is not about conquering nature but about understanding one’s limits and desires.
In this context, hiking becomes a contemplative experience that challenges individuals to reflect on themselves and their surroundings. Without self-restraint, the urge to reach the summit can turn into recklessness, leading to fatal consequences.
“I always remember a quote by Reinhold Messner: it’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves,” said the professor.
On destination management, Professor Baiquni explained that Rinjani already employs a seasonal trail closure system. Trail closures during the rainy season serve as both a conservation strategy and a preventive measure against weather-related accidents.
Nonetheless, some tourists persist in violating these rules, even sneaking onto trails before they are officially open.
“Trails are usually closed from January to March. This is a crucial visitor management strategy to allow nature to recover and to help hikers plan their trips safely,” he said.
Professor Baiquni acknowledged the role of technology in enhancing navigation and spatial information systems, but cautioned that it cannot replace field experience and instinct. While digital maps and weather apps are useful, they must be complemented by basic survival training and team ethics.
He encouraged making foundational training, such as basic survival courses, rope techniques, and terrain reading, a prerequisite for hiking, especially for international tourists unfamiliar with Indonesia’s mountain ecosystems.
“Different tools, different instincts. Sometimes people become so fixated on reaching the summit that they lose awareness,” he remarked.
In the face of climate change, Professor Baiquni argued that mitigation systems must be more adaptive and predictive. He stressed that interpreting nature’s signals requires more than just technology; it calls for local knowledge and natural intuition.
For effective mountain risk management, Professor Baiquni advocated combining modern science with indigenous wisdom.
“We are gifted with senses, reason, and conscience. Use them to read natural signs: cloud formations, wind direction, and fog patterns,” he urged.
As part of his reflection, Professor Baiquni outlined five key pillars for building a risk mitigation system for mountain tourism.
The first pillar is classifying hikers by their experience and training level. Management must distinguish between beginners, those who have undergone basic training, and professionals.
“If possible, this system should be transparent from the outset. Beginners must be accompanied by guides and carry standard equipment. Even experienced hikers should avoid going solo,” he said.
Second, he highlighted the importance of controlling the number of visitors on hiking trails. Narrow and extreme routes must not be crowded to avoid putting additional pressure on the ecosystem and increasing accident risks.
The third pillar involves mapping and promoting alternative volcano tourism destinations. By directing tourists to other Indonesian mountains with similar appeal, the burden on Mount Rinjani can be eased.
Next, Professor Baiquni emphasized the need for transparent information on weather conditions, porter and guide rates, and technical trail details.
“Tourists should not be sold illusions. They must arrive with the right expectations and proper preparation,” he stated.
Finally, he emphasized the importance of an integrated emergency response system, encompassing rescue team coordination, communication infrastructure, and evacuation routes. On-the-ground responsiveness and preparedness are crucial for minimizing the impact when incidents occur.
The professor also called for institutional support for such systems, rather than relying solely on local initiatives or volunteers.
According to him, these five pillars form the foundation of mountain tourism, which is not only beautiful but also safe and sustainable.
“Risks will always exist, but they can be managed through careful planning and policies that prioritize safety,” he affirmed.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Salma
Photograph: Lombok Post