Fact Check: "Several climbers have died on Mount Rinjani in recent years"
What We Know
Mount Rinjani, located on the Indonesian island of Lombok, is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, standing at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet). It is a popular trekking destination, attracting thousands of climbers annually due to its stunning views and the beautiful crater lake within its caldera. However, the mountain is also known for its challenging terrain and the risks associated with climbing it.
In recent years, there have been multiple fatalities reported on Mount Rinjani. For instance, in June 2025, a Brazilian tourist named Juliana Marins fell approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet) while hiking and was found dead after a four-day search effort (New York Times, AP News). Additionally, a Malaysian man died on the mountain just a month prior to Marins' incident (BBC). In 2022, it took authorities four days to retrieve the body of a Portuguese trekker who also died while climbing the volcano (New York Times).
These incidents highlight the dangers associated with climbing Mount Rinjani, which requires a significant level of fitness and preparation. The Indonesian authorities emphasize that trekkers should be "thoroughly prepared" for the challenges of the ascent (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that "several climbers have died on Mount Rinjani in recent years" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The deaths of Juliana Marins, a Brazilian tourist, and a Malaysian man, as well as the retrieval of a Portuguese trekker's body in 2022, provide concrete evidence of fatalities on the mountain (AP News, BBC).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include reputable news organizations such as the New York Times, Associated Press, and BBC, which have established editorial standards and fact-checking processes. Furthermore, the reports are consistent in detailing the circumstances surrounding these fatalities, including the challenging conditions climbers face on Mount Rinjani.
While some reports mention accusations from Marins' family regarding misinformation from Indonesian authorities about her rescue, this does not detract from the factual basis of the fatalities that have occurred on the mountain (AP News). The ongoing risks associated with climbing Mount Rinjani are well-documented, and the fatalities serve as a grim reminder of these dangers.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "several climbers have died on Mount Rinjani in recent years" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that there have been several fatalities on the mountain, including recent incidents involving climbers from Brazil and Malaysia. These deaths underscore the inherent risks of trekking on Mount Rinjani and highlight the importance of proper preparation for climbers.
