JAKARTA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Indonesia's West Nusa Tenggara province are taking comprehensive steps to enhance the safety of climbers and tourists on Mount Rinjani, following a series of recent accidents involving international visitors, Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal said on Thursday.
The statement came after a Swiss climber fell while trekking on the mountain on Tuesday. Indonesian rescue teams evacuated him and transported him to a hospital. Just weeks earlier, on June 21, a Brazilian climber died after falling into a ravine approximately 600 meters deep in the same area.
"This is a moment for us to reflect and improve," the governor emphasized. "Going forward, we will do better. People should feel confident that when they visit Mount Rinjani, they will be safe."
To ensure safer and more comfortable visit, Iqbal said the provincial government, along with relevant stakeholders, is focusing on three key measures: preparing professional rescue teams, installing clear signage, and placing safety equipment near the summit.
To enhance rescue capabilities, an international-standard vertical evacuation training program has been underway from July 16 to 20 in East Lombok Regency. Iqbal noted that more rescuers would be trained in the future to meet safety demands.
In addition, evacuation equipment will be placed in accident-prone areas to accelerate response times during emergencies, he added. ■
