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Rinjani National Park

Rinjani National Park is a protected area located on the island of Lombok, in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Covering an area of approximately 41,330 hectares, the park is named after Mount Rinjani (3,726 meters), the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and the highest point on Lombok. The national park encompasses a diverse ecosystem, including montane forest, savanna, and volcanic landscapes. It was designated as a national park in 1990 and later recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2008.12

Geography and Geology

Mount Rinjani dominates the landscape of the park, featuring a large caldera that holds a crescent-shaped lake called Segara Anak, meaning “Child of the Sea” in the local Sasak language due to its blue color. A small active volcanic cone called Gunung Baru Jari (New Mountain) emerged within the caldera during an eruption in 1944 and has since been periodically active.3

The park stretches across multiple districts, including North Lombok, East Lombok, and Central Lombok. The terrain varies significantly in elevation, ranging from 600 meters to the summit of Rinjani, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna.

Biodiversity

Rinjani National Park is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species. Its montane forests include species such as Ficus, Schima wallichii, and Pterocarpus indicus. Fauna includes the Ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), and various species of birds such as the helmeted friarbird and drongo cuckoo.4

Several endemic and endangered species have been identified in the park, and it plays a crucial role in conservation efforts in the region.

Cultural Significance

Mount Rinjani holds spiritual importance for the local Sasak and Balinese communities. Annual pilgrimages are made to the crater lake, Segara Anak, where offerings are made to the spirits of the mountain. These traditional ceremonies, such as Pekelan and Mulang Pakelem, reflect the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the mountain and its surrounding communities.5

Tourism and Trekking

Rinjani National Park is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Indonesia. Treks to the summit, crater rim, and Segara Anak lake attract thousands of domestic and international tourists each year. The most common trekking routes begin from Senaru, Sembalun, and Torean villages. Due to the high altitude and challenging terrain, treks typically take 2 to 4 days and require a certified guide.6

In recent years, concerns over environmental degradation have led to stricter regulations and efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The park authority, in collaboration with local stakeholders, has implemented policies to limit the number of visitors and manage waste disposal.7

Administration

The park is managed by the Balai Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani National Park Office), under the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Its responsibilities include conservation, ecosystem monitoring, tourism management, and community engagement.

See Also

References

  1. UNESCO. (2008). Gunung Rinjani Biosphere Reserve. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org ↩

  2. Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. (2020). Profil Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani. Retrieved from https://www.menlhk.go.id ↩

  3. Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). Global Volcanism Program: Rinjani. Retrieved from https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=264040 ↩

  4. Whitten, T., Henderson, G. S., & Mustafa, M. (1996). The Ecology of Java and Bali. Oxford University Press. ↩

  5. Mataram Cultural Office. (2017). Ritual Traditions of Mount Rinjani. Retrieved from https://disbudpar.ntbprov.go.id ↩

  6. Rinjani Trek Management Board (RTMB). (2023). Visitor Guidelines and Trekking Routes. Retrieved from https://rinjaninationalpark.id ↩

  7. WWF Indonesia. (2019). Sustainable Trekking in Rinjani National Park. Retrieved from https://www.wwf.or.id ↩