Dempo Hiking Trail Declared Safe After Evacuation of Armed Hiker

The hiking trail on Mount Dempo in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra, has been confirmed as safe and conducive once more for nature enthusiasts. This assurance follows the successful evacuation by a joint team of a hiker with the initials RD, who had caused alarm by carrying an air rifle and issuing threats to other hikers.

Secretary of the Mount Dempo Registration Centre (BRIGADE), Desta Ndruru, stated that RD, a resident of Lahat Regency, committed the disturbing acts on Monday (27/7) on the Mount Dempo trail. Reports of the armed hiker were met with swift action by the joint team.

‘Whilst hiking, RD allegedly carried an air rifle and repeatedly made statements threatening the safety of other hikers, claiming he was looking for a hiker from Palembang to use as a sacrifice,’ said Desta in Pagar Alam on Wednesday (29/7).

The handling operation involved various elements, including BRIGADE, Basarnas, BPBD, the military, Tagana, volunteers, and RD’s family. After a search, RD was found in good health. The evacuation process proceeded smoothly without any resistance or incidents endangering officers in the field.

Upon arrival at the foot of Mount Dempo, the joint officers decided not to pursue legal action. RD was officially handed over to his family for further care, including a planned medical treatment at a hospital to aid his recovery.

With the evacuation process complete, the management of Mount Dempo and SAR elements have confirmed that the potential threat on the hiking trail has been fully resolved. Hikers can now resume their activities peacefully and comfortably without worrying about security disturbances.