16 Climbers Evacuated Due to Hypothermia During 81st Independence Day Commemoration on Mount Bawakaraeng, South Sulawesi
Sixteen climbers were evacuated by a joint SAR team after suffering hypothermia and health problems while participating in the Red and White flag ceremony for the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, on Monday (17/8/2026).
The Head of the Makassar Basarnas Office, Muhammad Arif Anwar, confirmed that the climbers experienced a drastic drop in body temperature due to extreme weather, leg injuries, and severe physical exhaustion.
“The number of climbers who experienced physical difficulties was reported at 16 people. Most suffered symptoms of hypothermia due to the extreme cold temperatures at the summit,” said Arif Anwar in Gowa.
As of Monday evening, the evacuation process was still ongoing in stages. The joint SAR team had successfully brought eight climbers to the Registration Post in Bulu Balea in stable condition since the morning. Several other climbers requiring further medical treatment were referred to the Tinggi Moncong Community Health Centre.
Based on data from the Red and White Alert Post, public enthusiasm for celebrating Independence Day on Mount Bawakaraeng was very high. A total of 3,786 climbers registered through four main entry routes.
To anticipate emergency conditions amid the high density, a Special Alert Operation was deployed from 15 to 18 August 2026. A total of 295 joint personnel from Basarnas, SAR communities, volunteers, and medical staff were stationed at eight strategic points, including the mountain summit and Lembah Ramma.
Basarnas ensured that the evacuation flow remained optimal, especially as climbers’ physical condition is vulnerable to decline when descending the mountain at night. Arif Anwar again reminded climbers not to force themselves to reach the summit if their physical condition did not allow it.
“We urge climbers to always monitor their physical condition, complete their cold-weather equipment, and immediately report to the nearest alert point if they begin to feel health problems,” he stressed.
The Makassar Basarnas Special Alert Operation will remain fully deployed until the security closure on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.