Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. A 40-year-old Swiss tourist identified as BE sustained a serious leg fracture after falling while descending Mount Rinjani on Wednesday, prompting an urgent rescue operation on the popular Indonesian volcano.

BE was trekking with four companions, including his child, starting from the Sembalun route on July 15. The accident occurred while descending from the summit toward Pelawangan.

“We received confirmation from the guide that the hiker fell between the summit and Pelawangan,” Yanmar, head of the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (BTNGR), said on Wednesday.

The rugged terrain and shifting weather on Rinjani have complicated the evacuation. A joint rescue team from BTNGR and Edelweis Medical Health Center (EMHC) has reached Pos 4 and is advancing to the location to administer first aid and prepare for medical evacuation.

“Hopefully, the team will reach the victim’s location soon,” Yanmar said.

To expedite the rescue, BTNGR has coordinated with Bali Air to deploy a helicopter, which has already taken off for Sembalun while awaiting clear weather to proceed with an airlift.

“We are working to evacuate the victim by helicopter, which is now en route. We are monitoring weather conditions closely,” Yanmar said.

BE’s climb was registered legally with BTNGR, and the authorities are verifying whether the victim has travel insurance to facilitate medical care.

Last month, Mount Rinjani faced scrutiny after Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins died following a 600-meter fall on June 21. Poor weather delayed recovery efforts, and her body was retrieved only on June 24 after failed helicopter rescue attempts. The incident triggered protests from Brazilians on social media over the speed of the response, with Brazil’s Federal Public Defender’s Office (DPU) suggesting a possible international lawsuit.

Indonesia’s Chief Legal Affairs Minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said Indonesia has yet to receive a diplomatic note from Brazil but remains open to a joint investigation into the case.