Eight Climbers Celebrating Independence Day on Mount Bawakaraeng Suffer Asthma and Hypothermia

A joint SAR team evacuated eight climbers on Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, as they were preparing to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, after they suffered hypothermia.

“Yes, the eight climbers experienced different conditions, including hypothermia, asthma, thigh cramps and typhoid symptoms,” said Head of Basarnas Makassar, Muhammad Arif Anwar, on Monday (17/8).

After being evacuated, Arif said several climbers received treatment from the medical team and were referred to Tinggimoncong Community Health Centre.

“All were successfully evacuated in safe condition to the Bulu Balea Registration Post to receive medical treatment,” he said.

As of H-2, a total of 3,273 climbers had registered through various climbing routes, with details as follows: 223 people through the Lembanna registration point, 1,681 through Bulu Balea, 947 through Tassoso, and 422 through Kanreapia.

“Personnel were deployed at eight monitoring points, namely the Lembanna Post, Aju Bulu Balea Post, Post 5, Post 7, Post 8 on the Lembanna route, the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng, Ramma Valley, and the Tassoso route,” he explained.

Arif explained that this special alert was a form of Basarnas preparedness in ensuring public activities run safely, while also providing a rapid response should conditions arise that require assistance.

“We place personnel at several points to ensure climbers feel safe while on the route. Our principle is clear: when the public needs help, we must be present and respond as quickly as possible,” he said.

Arif urged climbers not to push themselves if they experience health problems during the journey. Weather conditions, cold temperatures, fatigue and route congestion are factors that need to be considered during climbing activities.

“Safety must be the top priority. Do not let the spirit of raising the red and white flag lead to neglecting personal safety,” he said.