2,557 Climbers to Mark 17 August with Flag Ceremony on Mount Bawakaraeng, Basarnas on Standby
Basarnas Makassar has recorded that 2,557 climbers are set to ascend Mount Bawakaraeng in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia with a red-and-white flag-raising ceremony at the summit on Monday (17/8).
A joint SAR team has been deployed for a Special Red-and-White Standby operation from 15 to 18 August 2026 to anticipate various emergency conditions that may occur during the climbing activity.
“We have stationed personnel at a number of strategic points along the climbing route up to the summit area,” said Head of Basarnas Makassar, Muhammad Arif Anwar, on Sunday (16/8).
Arif explained that the standby operation is intended to ensure the climbing activity proceeds safely while also accelerating response times should any situation requiring assistance arise.
“Our focus is to ensure all climbers can carry out their activities safely, and if an emergency occurs, the team can provide immediate assistance,” he said.
On the second day of the Special Standby operation, Sunday (16/8), monitoring was carried out on climbers moving towards the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng.
“As of the latest update, the number of registered climbers has reached 2,557 people, with details of 94 people via the Lembanna registration route, 1,195 people via Bulu Balea, 872 people via Tassoso, and 396 people via Kanreapia,” he explained.
Basarnas Makassar has placed teams at several points, namely the Lembanna Post, Aju Bulu Balea Post, Post 5, Post 7, Post 8 on the Lembanna route, the summit area of Mount Bawakaraeng, Ramma Valley, and the Tassoso route.
“A total of 211 personnel from various SAR elements are involved in the Special Standby operation,” he said.
As of now, Arif said his office has not received any reports of climbers experiencing problems while climbing Mount Bawakaraeng, whether illness or requiring emergency assistance.
“So far, the situation remains safe and there have been no reports of climbers experiencing trouble. We urge all climbers to remain cautious, maintain their physical condition, bring appropriate equipment, and follow the instructions of officers and volunteers in the field,” he said.
Weather conditions in the Mount Bawakaraeng area at the time of monitoring were reported to be clear. Basarnas Makassar nevertheless reminded climbers to pay attention to changing weather conditions and not to push themselves if experiencing fatigue or health problems.
“The spirit of commemorating independence must be accompanied by an awareness of safety. Do not let the euphoria of climbing make us ignore our own condition or the environment,” he concluded.