In a move aimed at addressing the waste problem affecting the climbing routes of Mount Rinjani in Indonesia, the director of Geopark Rinjani, Quadro Putro Wijaksuno, announced a proposal to create waste collection centers, known as "waste shelters," during the Rinjani Bhawari Festival held in the city of Mataram.
Quadro explained that these shelters will be established at several points along the climbing paths, enabling climbers to collect waste at those locations instead of leaving it in nature. This project aims to facilitate waste management and provide temporary collection points for the waste carried by climbers during their journey.
Event Details
The concept of waste shelters was presented to the Indonesian Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda) in West Nusa Tenggara province, where project details were discussed and funding mechanisms were identified. Quadro noted that the feasibility study includes the possibility of imposing additional fees on climbers or allocating part of the entrance fees to the area to support waste management efforts.
Although the entrance fees to Mount Rinjani are considered high, most of the revenue goes to the central government, hindering improvements in waste management on the ground. Therefore, this project is seen as an important step towards improving the environmental situation in the area.
Background & Context
Mount Rinjani is one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, attracting many climbers from around the world. With the increasing number of visitors, the amount of waste generated from tourism activities has also risen. According to reports from the National Parks Authority, the total waste generated from climbing in 2025 was approximately 30.35 tons, in addition to 1.19 tons of waste unrelated to climbing.
The management of Geopark Rinjani seeks to raise environmental awareness among visitors through this initiative, as preserving the environment is considered a fundamental part of the climbing experience.
Impact & Consequences
If this project is successfully implemented, it is likely to have a significant positive impact on the local environment. The waste shelters will help reduce pollution caused by waste, contributing to the preservation of natural beauty and enhancing the visitor experience. Additionally, the use of modern technology such as drones to transport waste from collection sites could improve the efficiency of the process.
Furthermore, this project may encourage other regions in Indonesia and other countries to adopt similar solutions to the waste problem, reflecting the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
Regional Significance
The waste issue is also a pressing concern facing many Arab countries, with regions such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan experiencing similar problems. The experience of Mount Rinjani could serve as an inspiration for these countries to develop effective waste management strategies, especially in tourist areas.
In conclusion, the waste shelter project at Mount Rinjani highlights the importance of environmental awareness and the need for effective steps to protect nature. The success of this project could inspire more environmental initiatives worldwide.