Lombok Zone – The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Dr. L Muhamad Iqbal, has emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to making the management of Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) more inclusive. This initiative aims to engage all stakeholders and involve local communities in the conservation and tourism efforts surrounding this renowned destination.
During a meeting held on February 23, 2026, with Budhy Kurniawan, the Head of TNGR, and Qwadru P Wicaksono, General Manager of Rinjani Geopark, the Governor expressed strong support for TNGR’s operational programs. He highlighted that the provincial government should be the first to respond to challenges facing TNGR, recognizing that the park cannot tackle its issues alone.
The Governor pointed out that previous management practices have not sufficiently coordinated with local governments in Lombok Utara, Lombok Timur, and Lombok Tengah, nor with the communities regarding conservation and tourism management of this world-famous site. He stressed the need for collaborative management strategies that align with local characteristics.
He cited the recent incident of a tourist accident as an important example of how vital collaboration is—citing the vertical rescue initiative developed in partnership with local stakeholders to ensure safety during hikes. This underscores the importance of teamwork among TNGR, government bodies, and the community.
Furthermore, the governor addressed issues in conservation, such as waste management, local village potential, supporting infrastructure, and hiking tourism as revenue sources. He suggested establishing a premium ticketing system for hiking, accompanied by certification and insurance, aimed specifically at international climbers, while ensuring that profits contribute to the development of surrounding communities.
In closing his remarks, the Governor highlighted the significance of Mount Rinjani as a symbol of community life and expressed hope for innovative management strategies for TNGR in environmental and tourism governance. He proposed holding press conferences, including with international media, to share updates on changes made, particularly correcting misconceptions about Rinjani’s trekking reputation.
In alignment with these goals, TNGR officials presented various empowerment and conservation programs planned for the year during the meeting. This includes initiatives focused on local village potential, waste management systems, safety facilities, and unique merchandise. They also announced plans to reopen hiking trails on March 28.
