Then Iskandar, Head of the Section of Protection and Conservation of Ecosystem Natural Resources (KSDAE) at the East Rinjani Forest Management Unit (BKPH Rinjani Timur), when contacted from Mataram on Monday (3/6/2024), said that Melanie had been in Sembalun since Thursday (30/5/2024) and stayed at one of the accommodations there.
Then, on Friday, he left the inn and left his bag. To the manager, Melanie said she wanted to climb.
However, until Saturday, she did not come back to pick up her bag. Therefore, according to Iskandar, the inn manager initiated a search for Melanie at the location of the Mount Anak Dara climbing. Her vehicle was found, but Melanie was not there. “According to the climbing manager, Melanie is not registered,” said Iskandar.
Contacted separately, Setiawan Jodi (31), the Secretary of the Tanjakan Cinta Management (one of the two entrances to Mount Anak Dara), confirmed that Melani’s fall occurred on an old route that was no longer in use.
“So, to climb to Anak Dara there used to be two routes. One is the Tanjakan Cinta route and the other is the Poligami route. But, due to landslides and dangers, since a few months ago the Poligami route has been closed, then moved to a new route called Rantai Mas,” said Jodi.
According to Jodi, Melanie fell into the unregulated Polygamy lane. “Therefore, she is suspected of being illegal because she is not registered in either the Tanjakan Cinta or Rantai Mas lanes,” he added.
The Gunung Anak Dara polygamy route is infamous for its extreme nature. Even before it was closed, many tourists avoided the route and chose another one. “This route is indeed scary. If you pass through there without using proper safety gear, it is very risky,” said Lalu Erwin Mustiadi (33), one of the mountain climbing enthusiasts in Lombok.
Therefore, Jodi deeply regrets the incident. According to him, that incident could have been avoided if the tourist had used the official route. Moreover, each route already has its own management.
“As the manager, we certainly ensure the safety of the route. If there is damage, we will repair it. Not only that, before departing, there will be an explanation regarding safety,” said Jodi.
Iskandar added that, after the incident, the head of BKPH Rinjani Timur had requested that unused trails be marked with informational signs. “The managers also need to be stricter, ensuring that everyone uses a ticket. Additionally, if there are foreign tourists coming, they should at least be accompanied by a guide. If not, they should be escorted,” said Iskandar.
Mount Anak Dara, with a height of 1,923 meters above sea level (asl), is one of the seven highest peaks (Seven Summits) in Sembalun. In addition, there is Bukit Pergasingan with a height of 1,750 asl, Puncak Sempana (2,300 asl), Puncak Bao Ritip (1,500 asl), Puncak Gunung Gendong (2,100 asl), Puncak Gunung Kondo (1,750 asl), and the highest peak, Mount Rinjani (3,726 asl).
Of the seven peaks, some are located within the Gunung Rinjani National Park (TNGR) area, while others are outside of it.
Since last year in 2020, the Seven Summits Sembalun program was launched, inspired by the concept of the world’s seven highest peaks. Since then, both local and foreign tourists have come to Sembalun to complete the climb of these seven peaks.
Not only do they want to conquer the challenge, but the beauty of nature presented from each peak also becomes an attraction for tourists. Not only on weekends, there are still people climbing on regular days.
Unfortunately, not everyone is truly ready for a hike. “Many underestimate it. Sometimes, I meet people wearing jeans and carrying bags as if they were going to a shopping center. They also don’t bring adequate provisions and some even ask for water when they reach the top,” said Dewi Ekawati (45) from Mataram who regularly goes on hikes in the Sembalun area.
Hikers must be fully prepared. Before climbing, they should study the terrain first. This is because hikers often only chase after the view, but forget to study the trek.
Also read: The Charming Beauty of Sembalun Village at the Foot of Rinjani
According to Jodi, the incident that happened to Melanie should be a shared lesson so that tourists do not embark on climbing without preparation. “Climbers must be really prepared. Before climbing, they should study the terrain first. Because often, climbers only chase the view, but forget to learn the trail,” said Jodi.
On the other hand, physical and mental readiness also need to be considered. Before registering, climbers must ensure that they do not have certain illnesses that could relapse during the climb.
“This includes preparing equipment and supplies. Sometimes, there are those who come with just school shoes and without bringing water. However, hiking is not an easy task. Like ‘Anak Dara’, it takes three hours to reach the top. That’s why those who are less prepared often feel exhausted, hypothermia, and muscle cramps,” he said.
