The case of Juliana de Souza Pereira Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian publicist and solo traveler, captured the hearts of many across the globe after her mysterious disappearance and subsequent confirmed loss of life under suspicious circumstances during a hiking expedition on Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani in June 2025.
Her story, intertwined with adventure, international rescue efforts, and community mobilization, highlights both the promise and perils of global solo exploration.
Chronology: Sequence of Events
Before the Incident
Juliana began her journey across Southeast Asia as part of an extended backpacking trip. Her travels took her through the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and finally Indonesia. On June 21, 2025, she joined a group of international hikers for a guided trek to Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, standing at 3,726m, famed for both its scenic beauty and formidable, steep trails.
The Day of Disappearance
June 21, 2025: While ascending the challenging Cemara Nunggal section of Mount Rinjani, Juliana reportedly asked her group to allow her a rest due to fatigue. She was left alone for over an hour. Upon the group’s return, Juliana was missing.
Immediate searches by guides began, but the rugged terrain and lack of mobile signal coverage slowed the process.
Drone footage from other hikers later that day revealed Juliana alive and conscious, stranded on a steep slope roughly 300m below the main trail.
Rescue Operations
Indonesian authorities, joined by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local rescue volunteers, commenced a complex search-and-rescue operation. Weather, hazardous slopes, and unreliable visibility hampered progress.
By June 22, rescuers could not find Juliana at her initial location. On June 23, her position was identified at a depth of approximately 600m, illustrating the difficulties faced by the teams.
Aftermath
June 24, 2025: Rescue teams reached Juliana’s remains, confirming her loss of life. Her body, impacted by adverse weather and terrain, was recovered and sent for autopsy at Bali Mandara Hospital.
Background: Mount Rinjani and Climbing Hazards
Mount Rinjani is celebrated for its breathtaking views and ecological diversity, but its steep, narrow paths and unpredictable weather patterns make it a hazardous destination, particularly for those lacking mountaineering experience. The Indonesian Mountain Guides Association described Rinjani as unsuitable for beginners due to its moderate to high level of difficulty, and highlighted the necessity of prior high-altitude hiking experience for safe ascents.
Rinjani has witnessed several accidents involving tourists over the years, often linked to fatigue, weather changes, and trail misjudgments.
Statements: Officials, Community, and Witnesses
Dr. Ida Bagus Putu Alit, forensic specialist at Bali Mandara Hospital, led the postmortem: “There’s no evidence that the victim was alive for long after the incident. The injuries caused massive internal challenges, especially in the chest cavity”.
Agam Rinjani, local volunteer leader: “Terrain and weather made timely rescue impossibly difficult and dangerous for the team members.”
Rahman Mukhlis, of the Indonesian Mountain Guides Association: “Mount Rinjani is not suitable for beginner climbers. Anyone wishing to scale the volcano should have prior experience hiking mountains over 2,500m”.
Mariana Martins, Juliana’s sister: Expressed frustration over conflicting rescue reports and the family learning of her passing through media coverage.
The challenge of high-altitude trail safety has been highlighted by several tragedies in Southeast Asia over recent years. Other incidents on Mount Rinjani have similarly involved tourists underestimating the physical demands and environmental unpredictability of the trek, underlining the need for comprehensive preparation and responsible tourism policies.
Investigation Update: Ongoing and Verified Details
The official investigation confirmed that Juliana’s demise resulted from fractures and internal trauma sustained after her fall. Autopsy results showed no signs of hypothermia; instead, death occurred approximately 20 minutes after the trauma. Toxicology results are pending, though authorities have noted no evidence of prolonged suffering. Brazilian and Indonesian officials continue to review protocols for foreign tourist rescues as well as the effectiveness of existing safety measures.
Indonesian authorities formed a multi-agency rescue task force including Basarnas, Brimob SAR, Forest Police, EMHC, Lorax, and local workers. The Brazilian government sent two diplomats to oversee proceedings and support the Marins family. The rescue operation highlighted the need for better equipment, expanded training for guides, and stronger bilateral agreements regarding foreign nationals in distress.
Community Impact: Social, Cultural, and Emotional Effects
uliana’s story sparked a wave of empathy and advocacy on social media, particularly in Brazil. Campaigns insisted on swifter rescue measures and better support for stranded travelers. Local and international coverage prompted calls for improvements in the region’s safety protocols and a reevaluation of legal responsibilities for repatriation costs.
The city of Niterói offered to help cover the cost of returning Juliana’s remains, while President Lula announced new legislation to ensure the government would bear such expenses going forward. The loss resonated not just as a personal tragedy, but as a shared call for change in tourism management for the benefit of local and foreign visitors.
Summarised Confirmed Facts
Juliana de Souza Pereira Marins set out for Southeast Asia in search of inspiration and challenge. Her story tragically concluded on Mount Rinjani after a solitary moment led to her separation from the group and a fatal fall. Despite best efforts from rescuers hampered by natural hazards, Juliana’s passing exposed critical gaps in international rescue coordination, tourism safety, and legal protections for travelers.
Her memory drives a renewed international push for responsible adventure travel — one that honors lives by making exploration safer for all.
