3 Hikers Blacklisted for 5 Years – Three hikers from outside the region have been officially blacklisted for five years from the entire area of Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) after illegally climbing Gunung Baru Jari, an active volcanic cone located inside Rinjani’s caldera. Their unauthorized adventure not only violated park regulations but also put their lives at serious risk. https://floorstowallsstudio.com
3 Hikers Blacklisted for 5 Years from Mount Rinjani After Climbing Active Crater of Gunung Baru Jari
So, What Actually Happened?
The three individuals were caught hiking into Gunung Baru Jari’s crater, a strictly off-limits zone within a 1.5 km radius of volcanic activity. They went in without a permit and failed to report to any TNGR posts — a serious violation in the eyes of park authorities.
According to TNGR Head Agus Budi Santoso, their actions were considered a major offense, especially since the area is still under Level II (Alert) volcanic status by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). The five-year blacklist is meant to set an example and reinforce safety rules.
“They entered an active volcanic area without permission, which puts them in direct danger and sets a bad precedent for other hikers,” Budi explained.
Why Is Gunung Baru Jari Off-Limits?
Gunung Baru Jari is a lava dome that formed in the Segara Anak lake after Rinjani’s 1994 eruption. While it may look calm from afar, the volcano is still highly active and unpredictable. That’s why the area is designated as a permanent danger zone by the national park authority.
The PVMBG has classified the site as Level II (Alert) since 2016, and that status remains unchanged. No one — not even local guides — is allowed to enter the 1.5 km danger zone around the crater due to risks like sudden eruptions or toxic gas emissions.
What Does a 5-Year Blacklist Mean?
The blacklist is an administrative sanction imposed by TNGR on anyone who breaks official park regulations, including:
- Hiking without a permit
- Entering illegal or restricted zones
- Failing to check in/out at ranger posts
- Leaving trash or damaging the environment
Typically, blacklists last 1–2 years, depending on the severity of the violation. But in this case, since the hikers endangered their lives and ignored a restricted area, TNGR imposed the maximum penalty: 5 years, effective across all entry points — Sembalun, Senaru, Torean, and Timbanuh.
The Right Way to Hike Mount Rinjani
If you’re planning to explore Rinjani safely and legally, here’s what you need to know:
- Register Officially
Book your hike via the eRinjani app or directly at TNGR’s offices. The official trails are open to Rinjani Summit, Segara Anak Lake, and other routes reopened as of July 1, 2025. - Check the Volcano Status
Always check the current volcanic activity updates from PVMBG or TNGR’s official social media (@btn_gnrinjani). - Respect the Boundaries
Don’t try to sneak into restricted areas like Gunung Baru Jari’s crater. It’s not just illegal — it’s dangerous. - Hire Certified Guides
Going with a local guide helps ensure your safety and compliance with park protocols. Plus, they know the terrain better than anyone.
Why This Matters
Cases like this highlight the importance of hiking responsibly and respecting nature’s rules. Reaching the summit is exciting, but the real win is protecting yourself, others, and the mountain itself.
By trespassing into a high-risk zone, these hikers not only endangered themselves, but also gave a bad name to the entire hiking community. It’s a wake-up call — not just for them, but for all of us.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer, an outdoor enthusiast, or part of a conservation group — remember: rules exist for a reason. Hike responsibly, follow the protocols, and keep Mount Rinjani wild and welcoming for everyone.
Breaking the rules might get you to the crater, but it could also get you blacklisted — or worse.