East Lombok, September 10, 2024 – The Europe Today: Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, is renowned for its natural allure, featuring savanna vegetation, tropical forests, and serene lakes, all complemented by the subtle aroma of sulfur. This majestic landscape has long attracted nature tourism enthusiasts seeking its undisturbed tranquility.
However, this pristine image is increasingly marred by visible waste pollution along the hiking routes and within the Mount Rinjani campsite. The accumulation of garbage has become a pressing issue, threatening both the environment and the mountain’s reputation.
Mohamad Farid Zaini, the main manager of the UNESCO Rinjani Global Geopark Management Agency, reported that waste pollution has significantly worsened over the past decade. The proliferation of plastic waste not only disrupts the scenic beauty but also poses severe risks to the local ecosystem. The littering of Mount Rinjani National Park, which spans 12,224 feet, has the potential to contaminate soil and water sources, and may endanger wildlife that accidentally ingests the trash.
The Mount Rinjani National Park Office has recorded that approximately 140,000 people hiked the mountain in 2023. The surge in visitor numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the waste problem. With tourist visits continuing to rise, there is an urgent need to address waste management to mitigate further environmental damage.
Effective waste management strategies are essential to preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of Mount Rinjani, ensuring that it remains a sustainable destination for future generations of nature enthusiasts.
