Puan Asks The Government To Follow Up Brazil's Lawsuit On The Juliana Marins Case

Climber Juliana Marins was found dead on Mount Rinjani, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). (@julianamarins)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, responded to the growing issue related to the threat of a lawsuit filed by Brazil against Indonesia regarding the death of Juliana Marins on Mount Rinjani, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Puan said the DPR would ask the government to take follow-up steps, in accordance with applicable procedures.

"Because it is the executive domain, we will encourage the government to take necessary actions in addressing this problem," said Puan, Friday, July 4.

Puan assessed that Juliana's family needed clear and accountable information from the authorities. "The families of the victims and the public deserve a clear and accountable explanation, so as not to cause speculation that harms the image of Indonesian tourism in the eyes of the international community," said Puan.

Puan also asked the government through the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Forestry, and the NTB Regional Government to strengthen standard operating procedures (SOP) and improve training for guides and SAR officers. In addition, the availability of tools and technology that support evacuation in mountainous areas also needs to be provided.

With the Rinjani mountain route which is quite challenging, Puan also reminded the professionalism of guides, the readiness of the evacuation team, and the effective coordination system need to be improved. According to him, it can ensure that search and rescue can be carried out quickly and accurately.

"Tourist safety must be a top priority, not only to protect human life, but also to maintain Indonesia's reputation as a professional and safe natural tourist destination," said Puan.

Puan again reminded that the safety of tourists must be a top priority in every tour.

"The safety of tourists, especially those who come from abroad, is not just a slogan that can be used as a jargon alone. This is a real responsibility that must be maintained with the support of trained human resources, adequate facilities, and strong and transparent protocols," said Puan.

As is known, Brazil plans to take legal action if the results of the autopsy of the two late Juliana Marins show that there was negligence that caused the 26-year-old woman to die. Marins died after being trapped for 4 days on Mount Rinjani on June 21.

Human Rights advocate from Brazil's Public Defenders Federal Office (Federal Public Defender's Office/DPU), Taisa Bittencourt, said Brazilian authorities were conducting a re-autopsy to Marins after receiving requests from the family.

The results of this autopsy are said to determine whether Brazilian authorities will file an international investigation into Marins' death or not.

Mount Rinjani is one of Indonesia's natural tourism icons that attracts thousands of climbers every year. However, with challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather, the readiness of all stakeholders is needed.