An adventure in Indonesia’s majestic Mount Rinjani nearly turned into a tragedy for Benedikt Emmenegger, a 46-year-old climber from Switzerland. What started as a typical trekking experience quickly escalated into a full-scale rescue operation—complete with medical teams, local guides, and even a helicopter.
Thankfully, the story has a good ending: Emmenegger is alive, safe, and currently receiving treatment in Bali.
A Hike with a Sudden Twist
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Emmenegger began his trek up Mount Rinjani via the popular Sembalun trail, accompanied by a certified local guide and a porter. Everything was done by the book—he even registered through Indonesia’s official eRinjani app, which helps monitor and manage climber safety in the national park.
But the very next day, the unexpected happened.
While descending toward Segara Anak Lake, a scenic crater lake nestled deep within the volcano’s caldera, Emmenegger reportedly slipped and fell. The accident happened about 25 minutes before the iconic Iron Bridge (Jembatan Besi)—a notable waypoint for trekkers headed to the lake.
When Every Second Counts
The emergency call came in around 11:25 AM on Wednesday, July 16. Emmenegger’s guide and porter acted quickly, alerting officials at the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (BTNGR).
What followed was a rapid, coordinated rescue mission involving multiple agencies—among them the Edelweiss Medical Help Centre (EMHC), Rinjani Squad, Mataram SAR, TNI (Indonesian Army), Polri, BPBD, and local volunteers.
A rescue team was dispatched from Pos 2 Rinjani, and a helicopter was immediately put on standby. While weather and terrain conditions were initially a concern, the evacuation went ahead later that afternoon.
By 5:00 PM WITA, Emmenegger was successfully airlifted off the mountain and flown straight to a hospital in Bali for medical attention.
The Injuries: What We Know
So far, reports indicate that Emmenegger sustained a broken bone and was also bleeding from the head. However, the exact cause and severity of his head injury remain unclear.
“We don’t know yet if the bleeding is due to impact, a cut, or something else,” said Gede Mustika, head of the BTNGR rescue team.
Regardless, thanks to the quick action of his support team and the efficiency of local authorities, he was stabilized and transported within hours.
Lessons from Rinjani: Adventure Isn’t Without Risk
Towering at 3,726 meters, Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and a top destination for international adventurers. The trail offers unforgettable views—from crater lakes to sunrise vistas over neighboring islands.
But make no mistake—Rinjani is also physically demanding and potentially dangerous, especially when weather turns or footing gets tricky.
This rescue serves as a strong reminder: always hike with a certified guide, register officially, and respect the mountain.
Nature doesn’t follow a script, but being prepared and well-supported can make all the difference.
Shout-Out to the Real Heroes
This successful rescue was the result of collaboration between locals, professionals, and government teams. From the guide who made the first call, to the SAR crew that organized the evacuation, every person played a role in saving a life.
Indonesia has made huge strides in outdoor tourism safety over the past decade—and operations like this are proof that they take it seriously.
