Mount Rinjani chosen as zero waste park pilot

Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Mount Rinjani is designated as a pilot project for implementing a zero waste policy across all national park areas in Indonesia.

"We are implementing zero waste and zero accidents at Rinjani. This policy serves as a pilot project for all national park areas in Indonesia," Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni noted in a statement on Monday.

On Sunday (May 18), Antoni visited Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, to review the logistics package for Mount Rinjani mountaineers.

He explained that the zero waste policy is intended to maintain cleanliness and improve the safety of mountaineers visiting Mount Rinjani.

"This policy is implemented to realize sustainable and safe nature tourism for visitors," he explained.

He emphasized that the zero waste initiative is not merely an appeal but a policy implemented strictly and measurably.

Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) officers will thoroughly record all items brought by mountaineers to Mount Rinjani, starting with the quantity, type, and packaging.

Antoni said mountaineers are no longer permitted to use single-use plastics. All food and beverages must be packed in containers that can be accounted for, such as reusable food boxes.

He stressed that this mechanism requires every mountaineer to adhere to a pack-in-pack-out procedure, in which all items brought up the mountain must be taken back down in the same condition.

"Mountaineers who cannot account for all their belongings upon descent will be subject to strict sanctions in the form of a fine of up to Rp5 million (US$304) and possible blacklisting from future climbs," Antoni emphasized.

Meanwhile, the zero accident policy aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by climbers who are inadequately prepared or lack information about conditions.

Therefore, Antoni called on the Mount Rinjani National Park management to improve climbing facilities and information, as security and safety are the top priorities.

Dangerous or vulnerable points along the climbing route must be clearly communicated to mountaineers with appropriate warning signs.

The minister noted that mountain climbing is not an activity that should be undertaken spontaneously or without careful planning.

"Mount climbing requires preparation. You must be physically, mentally, and logistically ready, with the right equipment and knowledge," he reminded.