Traffic to the popular Pusuk Sembalun scenic area is disrupted following heavy rain, with cleanup efforts now underway.
SEMBALUN, Lombok — Access to one of East Lombok’s prominent tourist viewpoints was obstructed on Thursday after a landslide and a fallen tree blocked sections of the road to Pusuk Sembalun. The incident, triggered by heavy rainfall, caused significant traffic delays along the winding mountain route.
Local resident Nur Abdul Aziz (28), who passed through the area in the morning, confirmed the disruption. “Around 9 a.m., when I passed through Pusuk Sembalun, the landslide had already occurred,” Aziz stated. He described the road conditions as slippery and narrowed by debris, though still passable for cautious motorbike and car traffic with care. A separate obstruction was caused by a large tree that had fallen across the roadway.
“The fallen tree is what caused the traffic jam, as it completely blocked the lane,” Aziz added.
Sembalun Sub-district Head, Suherman, verified the incidents and reported that a joint cleanup operation involving local authorities, military, police, and community members is in progress. “We are currently working together to clear the material so the road can be passable again,” Suherman said.
Authorities have issued a safety advisory for travelers. Suherman urged all road users, especially those planning to traverse the route, to exercise extreme caution given the unstable weather conditions prevalent during the current rainy season. “Please remain careful while driving, especially during the rainy season,” he emphasized.
Pusuk Sembalun is a known stop for visitors traveling between Lombok’s northern coastal areas and the foothills of Mount Rinjani, offering panoramic views. The temporary blockage serves as a reminder of the terrain’s vulnerability to weather during Indonesia’s monsoon period.
Hey Bali News provides updates on regional travel conditions to assist residents and visitors in planning safe journeys across the archipelago.
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