Foreign Tourist Missing While Hiking: Evacuation in Extreme Terrain!

    On Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, a Brazilian tourist named Juliana Marins, she was 27 years old was reported to have fallen into a 150-500 meter deep ravine in the Cemara Nunggal area, on the Mount Rinjani climbing route via Sembalun. The incident occurred at around 06.30 WITA when she was climbing alone. Authorities suspect she slipped due to the steep and slippery terrain. 

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    Why did she come? Mount Rinjani is said to be one of Juliana's dream destinations after climbing various mountains in South America and Europe. She chose Indonesia because of its natural beauty, and Rinjani is a popular destination among international climbers. However, the Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) said Juliana was not recorded in the e-Rinjani system, which means she climbed without official permission. 

    How was the search? After the report came in, the joint SAR team consisting of Basarnas, TNI, Polri, TNGR, and local volunteers, immediately conducted an intensive search. On Monday morning, June 23, 2025, a thermal drone managed to detect Juliana's body in a motionless condition. The location is on a steep cliff that is difficult to reach, with low visibility due to fog. Evacuation has not been possible due to extreme weather and the risk to rescue teams who have to descend with ropes into vertical terrain. 

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    The incident has attracted widespread attention, both in Indonesia and Brazil. Netizens posted prayers and support on social media. Basarnas said the rescue mission was one of the most extreme this year. Tourism authorities have also begun to re-evaluate the safety system for foreign tourists, especially those traveling in dangerous areas without a guide.

Source: 

• https://travel.detik.com/travel-news/d-7347486/turis-brasil-hilang-di-rinjani-diduga-terpeleset-ke-jurang
• https://youtu.be/dK9YMEkybZQ?si=p7gKpAQxkF03OF3b
  

TAKI: My Way Out of Thesis Hell

To be honest, I used to think that graduating from college was definitely through a thesis. There was no other choice. But it turns out, the campus gave another option called TAKI (Final Scientific Paper Assignment). At first I thought this was like a fast track or a “shortcut,” but after I did it myself, it turned out to still be full of struggle and… quite challenging. 

TAKI is open to students who actively create scientific works, whether it’s articles, learning media, or academic projects that meet certain standards. In my study program, I happened to join a scientific article writing program with lecturers and friends. The article was processed seriously: from finding a topic, library research, writing up to five pages long, revising it many times, using journal references, and even having to follow a template. And you can’t just do it haphazardly the final result must be ready to be published in a journal. 

What makes it different from a regular thesis is that in TAKI we focus more on academic writing and the results can really be used or read by the public. Not just a formality. On the other hand, the challenges are still there: lecturers can revise it many times, time is tight, and sometimes enthusiasm goes up and down too. But the good thing is, I don't have to go to the field or make a questionnaire, and that really helps me mentally. 

In my opinion, the TAKI pathway can be a good alternative for students who have a passion for writing or who have certain limitations when it comes to conducting field research. But don't get me wrong — this is not an "easier" pathway, just a different form. It also requires hard work, discipline, and critical thinking. 

Do I regret choosing this pathway? Not at all. In fact, I'm happy because the work I create can be more "alive" not just piled up on the campus library shelves. And for me personally, this process also helped me get to know the academic world better, not just for the sake of graduating. 

So for friends who are currently confused about working on their thesis or feel stuck, maybe you can start finding out about alternative pathways like TAKI. Who knows, it might be a more suitable path for you!!!

Hajj Furoda Visa Crisis Shocks Indonesian Pilgrims

Source : MetroTV

Many Indonesian Hajj Furoda pilgrims were unable to depart for Mecca in 2025 due to the non-issuance of their visas by the Saudi Arabian government. The Furoda visa, which is a non-quota Hajj pathway, is typically chosen by pilgrims who wish to bypass the long waiting list of the official quota system.

Unfortunately, as of May 26, 2025, the Saudi government officially closed visa issuance for Furoda pilgrims. This left many who had already paid high fees ranging from USD 22,000 to USD 50,000 (around IDR 400-900 million) stranded and unable to make the pilgrimage.

In response, some travel agencies have offered 100% refunds to affected pilgrims, in accordance with prior agreements. However, the Indonesian Hajj Advocacy Commission (Komnas Haji) reminded the public not to blame the Indonesian government for the issue, since the Furoda visa is outside the national quota and fully controlled by Saudi authorities (Travel Kompas).

As a preventive measure, prospective pilgrims are advised to consider regular Hajj or special Hajj quotas for more certainty in future years.

Danger Ahead! COVID-19 Warning from Health Ministry!

Source : Google

The Ministry of Health has just issued an important circular regarding the increase in COVID-19 cases which have started to rise again in several Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. They have found new variants such as XEC, JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8 which have the potential to make the spread even faster (Kemkes).

Although in Indonesia itself the cases are still relatively low, only 7 new cases were recorded from May 25 to 31, 2025 with a positivity rate of around 2.05%, the Ministry of Health continues to remind the public to remain vigilant and disciplined in implementing health protocols (Infeksiemerging).

Source : Kemenkes

In the circular, the Ministry of Health appeals to health facilities and the general public to: Tighten the use of masks, especially in crowded places Monitor symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath Immediately report to health workers if you experience flu-like symptoms Continue to follow official information from the Ministry of Health so as not to misunderstand According to Murti Utami, Acting Director General of Disease Control, the purpose of this circular is to increase awareness of COVID-19 and other diseases that have the potential to become epidemics or extraordinary events. The Ministry of Health also continues to monitor developments in the situation and hopes that everyone will remain vigilant and maintain protocols so that a new wave of COVID-19 can be avoided.