Tragedy on Mount Rinjani: A Chronicle of the Fatal Fall of a Brazilian Tourist

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Local sources from Indonesia: CNN Indonesia, detikTravel.
UK coverage: The Independent.

In a somber turn of events, the international community has been rocked by the news of a Brazilian tourist’s fatal misadventure on Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani. Juliana Marins, a 27-year-old adventurer from Brazil, met her untimely demise following a fall during a hike on the treacherous slopes of one of Indonesia’s most revered volcanoes. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, June 21, 2025, has since sparked widespread scrutiny over the safety measures and response mechanisms in place for hikers navigating the challenging terrain of Mount Rinjani. Marins, identified by CNN Indonesia as JDSP, embarked on the ascent alongside five other tourists and a guide, initiating their journey from the Sembalun entrance gate. During the ascent, Marins reportedly succumbed to fatigue, prompting the guide to advise her to rest while the rest of the group pressed on toward the summit. Upon the guide’s return to the designated rest spot, Marins was nowhere to be found. A subsequent search operation led to the grim discovery of her body approximately 500 meters from the initial fall spot, in an area characterized by sand and rocks, early on the morning of Monday, June 23. Despite the swift location of Marins by drone thermal imaging, the extreme terrain and adverse weather conditions thwarted immediate evacuation efforts. The tragic outcome of this incident has drawn international attention, with media outlets such as The New York Times, The Independent, and BBC shedding light on the formidable challenges faced by the search and rescue operation. The delay in Marins’ recovery, ultimately accomplished on June 25, underlines the critical need for enhanced preparedness and equipment among rescue teams contending with Mount Rinjani’s unforgiving conditions. In response to this tragedy, the Mount Rinjani National Park Agency announced the temporary closure of the climbing route from Pelawangan 4 Sembalun to the summit to facilitate the evacuation process. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of mountain hiking, especially in areas known for their volatile weather and challenging landscapes. As the global community mourns the loss of Juliana Marins, questions linger regarding the adequacy of safety protocols and the swift deployment of rescue resources in response to emergencies on Mount Rinjani.