Two Foreign Hikers Detained for Drone Use on Mount Rinjani
Two Foreign Hikers Detained for Drone Use on Mount Rinjani
The pristine wilderness of Mount Rinjani National Park has once again become the center of a regulatory crackdown following the detention of two foreign hikers. Authorities in West Nusa Tenggara recently took action against international tourists found operating drones without authorization at the Pelawangan Sembalun campsite. This incident highlights the increasingly strict enforcement of environmental and safety regulations within Indonesias second-highest volcano and a designated UNESCO Global Geopark. As adventure tourism rebounds, the clash between high-tech photography and conservation efforts is creating a complex landscape for both travelers and trekking organizers.
The detention of two foreign hikers for unauthorized drone use on Mount Rinjani occurred at the Pelawangan Sembalun campsite when park officials discovered the devices during a routine patrol. Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) regulations strictly prohibit the use of drones and other electronic equipment like portable speakers without a special permit, which carries a fee of approximately Rp2 million ($116). These rules are designed to protect the local ecosystem and prevent disturbances to wildlife. Authorities are currently investigating the trekking organizers involved, with potential sanctions ranging from official warnings to permanent blacklisting from the park.
The Growing Controversy of Drones in National Parks
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, has skyrocketed among travel influencers and hobbyist photographers. On Mount Rinjani, the allure of capturing the crater lake, Segara Anak, from a birds-eye view is a significant draw. However, the Mount Rinjani National Park Office (BTNGR) has long maintained that these devices pose a threat to the parks tranquility and biological integrity.
Drones can interfere with the flight paths of native bird species and create noise pollution that disrupts the natural behavior of macaques and other fauna. For many hikers, the sound of a buzzing drone ruins the spiritual and quiet experience of the ascent. This recent detention serves as a high-profile reminder that the "Instagrammable" moment often comes at a high regulatory and environmental cost.
Details of the Pelawangan Sembalun Incident
According to park spokesperson Ma'ruf Hadi, the violation was uncovered on a Saturday at the Pelawangan Sembalun campsite, a popular staging area for the final summit push. The two foreign hikers were traveling with different trekking operators. During the same sweep, officers also confiscated a portable speaker from another hiker, reinforcing that the crackdown extends beyond just aerial technology.
The hikers were detained for questioning, and their equipment was temporarily secured. While the hikers themselves face scrutiny, the BTNGR is focusing heavily on the Trekking Organizers (TOs). Under the current SOP, TOs are responsible for educating their clients on prohibited items and ensuring compliance with park laws. The failure to prevent the use of drones is seen as a breach of the operators professional obligations.
Strict Sanctions for Trekking Organizers
In a move to ensure long-term compliance, authorities have indicated that the brunt of the legal repercussions will likely fall on the trekking agencies. "We will ensure strict sanctions against the trekking organizers assisting the two foreign hikers," Ma'ruf Hadi stated. This approach aims to create a "trickle-down" effect where operators become the primary gatekeepers of park regulations.
Potential sanctions for these companies include:
- Formal written warnings recorded in the parks database.
- Temporary suspension of operating licenses.
- Permanent blacklisting, which prevents the company from booking any future treks for clients.
Environmental Impact and Wildlife Protection
Mount Rinjani is not just a hiking destination; it is a vital ecological corridor. The UNESCO Global Geopark status necessitates a high level of protection for its unique geological and biological features. Unauthorized drone use can lead to accidental crashes in hard-to-reach areas, introducing lithium batteries and plastic debris into a sensitive watershed.
Furthermore, the physical presence of a drone can trigger defensive behaviors in wildlife. The park is home to various raptors and endemic birds that may view a drone as a territorial threat or a predator. By enforcing these rules, the BTNGR is prioritizing the health of the ecosystem over the aesthetic desires of modern tourists.
| Regulation Category | Description and Penalty |
|---|---|
| Drone Permit Fee | Rp2,000,000 (approx. $116) per device |
| Prohibited Items | Speakers, Drones (without permit), Fireworks |
| Operator Sanction | Warnings to Permanent Blacklisting |
| Permit Type | Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) Fee |
The Financial Cost of Illegal Filming
For many tourists, the Rp2 million permit fee seems steep, leading some to attempt to "sneak" their drones onto the mountain. However, the cost of being caught is significantly higher. Beyond the potential loss of the device and detention, hikers may be banned from returning to Indonesia or face fines that far exceed the initial permit cost.
The permit fee is classified as Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP). These funds are theoretically funneled back into park maintenance, trail restoration, and search and rescue (SAR) operations. In the wake of recent tragic accidents, such as the fatal fall of Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins in 2025, the park is under immense pressure to improve infrastructure and safety, making the collection of these fees more critical than ever.
The Legacy of Past Accidents and Drone Utility
Ironically, while unauthorized drone use is a violation, drones have played a pivotal role in Mount Rinjani's recent history of search and rescue. In the case of Juliana Marins, drone footage captured by other hikers was the only reason rescuers were able to locate her position in a 300-meter ravine. However, authorities distinguish between "Good Samaritan" emergency use and recreational use without a permit.
The 2025 accidents led to a comprehensive evaluation of the park's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The current strictness is a direct result of these evaluations. The government is attempting to balance the mountain's popularity with the inherent risks of a Level IV difficulty trek. Ensuring that hikers follow every rule—including the small ones regarding drones—is part of a larger strategy to maintain order on the dangerous slopes.
How to Legally Use a Drone on Mount Rinjani
For professional filmmakers or those who genuinely wish to follow the rules, there is a legal pathway to operating a drone on the volcano. Hikers must apply for a permit at the BTNGR office in Mataram or through the official website before their trek begins.
The process involves:
- Providing identification and drone specifications.
- Specifying the purpose of the flight (commercial, research, or hobby).
- Paying the PNBP fee and receiving an official permit letter.
- Showing this permit to officers at the entrance gates in Sembalun or Senaru.
Conclusion
The detention of these two foreign hikers serves as a stark warning that the era of unregulated "adventure" photography on Mount Rinjani is over. As Indonesian authorities tighten the grip on trekking organizers and enforce heavy fees for electronic equipment, travelers must adjust their expectations. Mount Rinjani remains one of the world's most beautiful destinations, but its beauty is protected by a growing wall of bureaucracy intended to preserve its environment and ensure the safety of all who climb it. Respecting the rules is not just about avoiding a fine; it is about honoring the sanctity of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it completely illegal to use a drone on Mount Rinjani?
No, it is not illegal, but it requires a special permit that costs Rp2,000,000 per device as part of the Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP).
What happens if I get caught with an unauthorized drone?
The drone will likely be confiscated, you may be detained for questioning, and your trekking organizer could face severe sanctions including blacklisting.
Why are there rules against drones in the park?
The rules are in place to prevent noise pollution, protect wildlife (specifically birds), and maintain the tranquil experience of the national park.
Can I use a portable speaker while hiking?
No, portable speakers are also prohibited items within the Mount Rinjani National Park area to protect the natural silence of the environment.
Are trekking organizers responsible for my equipment?
Yes, under the current SOP, trekking organizers are responsible for ensuring their clients do not bring or use prohibited items within the park.
Two Foreign Hikers Detained for Drone Use on Mount Rinjani
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