He shared this vision while opening the Rinjani Rescue Vertical Evacuation training program at Mount Rinjani National Park in Sembalun, East Lombok, on Thursday. The training brought together hiking communities, volunteers, guides, and porters.
“The ultimate goal of this activity is to develop Rinjani’s hiking management into a world-class destination. That’s our target,” Iqbal said.
He emphasized the need for Rinjani to adopt global standards in hiking safety and visitor services, aligning with best practices used in the Alps and Himalayas.
To reach this goal, Iqbal outlined several key priorities, including improving human resource capacity, fostering collaboration across sectors, and developing proper evacuation infrastructure.
The rescue training, led by internationally certified instructors, concluded with participants receiving global competency certificates.
With higher standards in place, international tourists are expected to feel more confident and secure when hiking in Rinjani.
The provincial government is also collaborating with private partners to install clear visual signage along hiking trails leading to the summit — areas that previously lacked adequate markers.
In addition, evacuation facilities meeting international standards are being prepared at key points near high-risk zones. These facilities will support certified rescue teams in responding to emergencies more effectively.
Iqbal stressed that all improvements are being funded through partnerships with the private sector and relevant stakeholders, rather than relying on the regional budget.
He also noted that the province is reorganizing waste management and introducing new insurance systems at the national park to enhance the overall hiking experience starting next year.
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Translator: Nur Imansyah, Primayanti
Editor: Anton Santoso
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