Mount Rinjani Opens on a Limited Basis Amid New Forest Fire Prevention Measures

Mount Rinjani National Park is currently open for trekking on a limited basis following a new directive from the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry regarding mountain trekking activities in conservation areas.

The new policy was issued through Circular Letter of the Director General of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAE) No. SE.4/KSDAE/SKSDAE/KSA.02.02/B/08/2026, dated August 31, 2026.

The circular concerns the temporary closure and limited opening of mountain trekking activities in conservation areas as part of the government's efforts to prevent forest and land fires during the dry season.

Mount Rinjani Is Open on a Limited Basis

Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) is included among the conservation areas where trekking activities are opened on a limited basis.

This means that Mount Rinjani is not completely closed to trekking. However, access to the mountain and the issuance of trekking tickets are subject to the latest instructions and operational policies of the National Park authority.

The limited-opening policy is intended to reduce the risk of forest fires while allowing controlled trekking activities to continue.

Important Update on Online Trekking Ticket Booking

Following the issuance of the new circular, the Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR) has informed trekking operators and other stakeholders about the latest arrangements for trekking ticket bookings.

According to the latest notice communicated by TNGR:

• Online booking for Mount Rinjani trekking tickets can be made until September 2, 2026, at 23:59 WITA.
• Trekking bookings that have already been completed and paid within the permitted period will continue to be served according to the applicable regulations.
• Further measures will be determined following an evaluation of the situation by TNGR and relevant stakeholders.

Therefore, trekkers who already have a properly issued and paid trekking ticket should continue to follow the instructions associated with their booking and the latest National Park regulations.

For visitors who have not yet obtained a trekking ticket, availability may become uncertain after the announced online booking deadline.

Why Has This Policy Been Introduced?

The new policy is part of a broader precautionary measure to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) in conservation areas.

During the dry season, prolonged periods of dry weather can increase the risk of vegetation and forest fires. Mountain areas with dry grass, leaves and other combustible vegetation can become particularly vulnerable to fire.

The government has therefore implemented different levels of restrictions depending on the assessed risk of each mountain area.

Rather than applying the same measure to every mountain, the policy allows some areas to remain open under controlled conditions while higher-risk areas may be temporarily closed.

Mount Rinjani is currently included in the limited-opening category.

What Does This Mean for Trekkers?

If you are planning to climb Mount Rinjani, it is important to understand the difference between “open” and “limited opening.”

Mount Rinjani remains accessible, but trekking activities are subject to the latest regulations and decisions of TNGR.

In particular:

If you already have an issued and paid trekking ticket:

Your booking can continue to be accommodated according to the applicable regulations and the conditions of the National Park.

If you have not yet booked a trekking ticket:

Online ticket booking is currently subject to the September 2, 2026 deadline communicated by TNGR. After this deadline, new bookings may no longer be available until further notice.

If you are planning your trip for a later date:

We recommend checking the latest official status before making your final travel arrangements, as the situation may change following further evaluation.

Forest Fire Prevention Is Everyone's Responsibility

The current restriction is also a reminder that protecting Mount Rinjani is a shared responsibility.

All visitors are expected to help prevent forest fires by following the instructions of National Park officers and trekking operators. Trekkers should:

• Never discard cigarette butts or other burning materials along the trail.
• Never make unauthorized fires.
• Follow all fire-prevention instructions from National Park officers and guides.
• Avoid any activity that could create sparks or ignite dry vegetation.
• Keep the trekking routes and camping areas clean.
• Immediately report smoke or signs of fire to a guide, porter or National Park officer.

Even a small source of ignition can become dangerous in dry conditions.

The Situation Will Continue to Be Evaluated

TNGR has also stated that an evaluation with relevant stakeholders will be conducted as soon as possible to determine the appropriate next steps.

This means the current Limited Opening status may be reviewed depending on weather conditions, fire risk and the results of the evaluation.

For this reason, trekkers should always check the latest information before travelling to Mount Rinjani.