Fire Breaks Out on Mount Rinjani's Torean Hiking Trail - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A forest fire has struck Mount Rinjani's Torean hiking trail in North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

According to the NTB Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the forest fire on the Mount Rinjani hiking trail via Torean in North Lombok Regency began at around 18:50 Central Indonesian Time (WITA) yesterday, Tuesday, September 22.

"The incident occurred at Bukit Setampol, Torean Resort, North Lombok Regency," said Sadimin, Head of the NTB BPBD, in a statement received in Mataram on Wednesday, as quoted by ANTARA.

He said the burned area covered 127 hectares and was predominantly tall grass. "The cause of the incident is still under investigation," he stated.

According to him, the BPBD has coordinated with the Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) and the North Lombok Regency BPBD regarding the impact and the measures being taken. They have even coordinated with the TNI (military), the National Police, and relevant stakeholders.

This involves Manggala Agni and the Fire Brigade Community (MPA) to suppress and control the fire, as well as monitor fire management and evaluate conditions on site.

"As of 16:50 WITA, only one active fire spot remains, covering an area of approximately 127 hectares. The location is quite remote—requiring a six-hour journey—and situated on a cliff, compounded by hazy weather and wind," explained Sadimin.

Additional firefighting personnel deploying to the site tomorrow consist of 4 individuals from the Forest and Land Fire Control Center (Balai Dalkarhut), 3 MPA members, 2 Manggala Agni personnel, and 2 TNGR officers.

To prevent forest fires, particularly during the dry season, the authorities urge the public to join forces by refraining from burning forests and land to establish plantations or clear the terrain.

Additionally, be careful not to carelessly discard items that could spark a fire, such as cigarette butts. Additionally, ensure that any fire is completely extinguished after burning activities, and avoid actions that could ignite fires in forest and dry land areas.

"For hikers currently on the trail who choose Torean as their exit point, the route can be diverted via the Sembalun or Senaru trails, in accordance with the instructions of Mount Rinjani National Park officials," he said.