North Lombok. An intensive search is underway for Russian national Mordovina Alexandra, 44, who is missing after embarking on an illegal hike on Mount Rinjani. The search began from the Senaru trailhead in Bayan District, North Lombok, on Thursday.

Alexandra reportedly started her hike on Aug. 30 at around 4:00 a.m. local time. She last communicated with friends via WhatsApp about her hiking plans but lost contact shortly afterward and was reported missing.

In response, Didik Putra Kuncoro, Chief of North Lombok Police, confirmed that a search team has been formed in collaboration with the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (TNGR). The team includes various parties to aid in the search.

“TNGR is leading the search effort due to their familiarity with the terrain and their authority over the area,” said I Wayan Cipta Naya, Chief of Bayan Police.

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The search is scheduled to continue for four days, from Sept. 12 to 15. The team departed for Mount Rinjani on Thursday, at 6:30 a.m. local time, starting from the TNGR entrance in Senaru. They will cover several trails, including Senaru-Plawangan Senaru, Plawangan Senaru-Sangkareang, Plawangan Senaru-Batu Ceper, and Plawangan Senaru-Santong.

“These locations were selected based on potential hiking routes taken by the missing hiker. We hope the search will yield results soon,” said the Chief of Bayan Police.

Searching for a foreign national on Mount Rinjani presents significant challenges due to weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited communication. Wayan emphasized the priority of the search team's safety and urged them to maintain good coordination and communication.

“We hope this team will quickly locate Mordovina Alexandra. If the search is unsuccessful within four days, we will reassess, coordinate, and strengthen collaboration with relevant parties,” the Chief added.

The Chief also expressed gratitude for the support from local residents assisting with the search. The police are calling on anyone with additional information about Alexandra’s whereabouts to report to the Senaru search post or contact the Bayan Police.

If the hiker is not found within four days, the team will conduct a thorough evaluation and consider additional options, including the use of search technology and additional personnel.