LOMBOK, Indonesia — A 22-year-old Indonesian hiker has been safely rescued after suffering a leg injury while descending Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated trekking destinations and a popular side trip for travelers visiting neighboring Bali.
The incident occurred on Monday along the mountain’s southern Timbanuh route, a less-traveled trail that offers a quieter alternative to Rinjani’s more popular northern approaches.
Emergency responders said the woman, identified as Rosiana Citra, injured her leg while making her way down from the summit after completing the challenging ascent.
Rescue Teams Mobilized Overnight
According to Muhammad Darwis, coordinator of the Kayangan Search and Rescue Post, the hiker had begun her expedition on June 27, entering Mount Rinjani National Park through the Timbanuh entrance in East Lombok before reaching Pelawangan Tembesi, one of the mountain’s scenic ridge camps.
Rescuers were alerted after she became unable to continue the descent because of the injury.
A joint rescue team carried out an overnight evacuation, transporting the hiker on a stretcher through the mountain trail before reaching medical assistance in the early hours of Tuesday.
“We’re grateful the evacuation was completed safely,” Darwis said. “The victim was taken to a local health center for treatment after suffering a sprained leg.”
The operation brought together personnel from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Mount Rinjani National Park, regional disaster management officials, police, military personnel, volunteer rescue organizations, experienced mountain porters, and local residents.
Injury Found to Be Minor
Doctors later confirmed the injury was less serious than initially feared.
According to Suhamdi Akhmad, head of the Pengadangan Community Health Center, medical examinations found no fractures or major trauma.
The hiker had sustained a sprain affecting her upper left leg and was discharged shortly after receiving treatment.
Her family later collected her from the clinic.
A Reminder That Preparation Matters
Rising more than 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) above sea level, Mount Rinjani is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and attracts thousands of trekkers each year from around the world.
While the mountain rewards climbers with spectacular crater lakes, volcanic landscapes, and panoramic sunrise views, the trek is physically demanding. Steep descents, loose volcanic terrain, and rapidly changing weather can turn even the return journey into the most challenging part of the expedition.
Local authorities regularly advise hikers to travel with licensed guides, wear appropriate trekking footwear, carry sufficient water, and avoid pushing beyond their physical limits.
The successful rescue also highlights the extensive coordination behind Indonesia’s mountain emergency response system, where professional rescue teams work alongside park rangers, local communities, and volunteer porters to assist hikers in difficult terrain.
For travelers planning to explore Rinjani after visiting Bali, officials say the mountain remains a rewarding adventure—provided it is approached with careful preparation, realistic expectations, and respect for the conditions on one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic volcanoes.
