Indonesians conquer Mt. Everest

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian climbers reached the top of Mt. Everest (8,848 meters) for the first time yesterday at 3.15 p.m.

The successful climbers were Sergeant Misirin and Corporal Asmujiono of Indonesia's Special Forces and their Russian coach.

They were part of a 16-member team consisting of 10 Special Forces' officers and six nature lovers from the University of Indonesia, Wanadri and FPTI.

They left Indonesia in March and will return in May.

The team was set up in July in an initiative by Special Forces commander Maj. Gen. Prabowo Subianto. They underwent five months intensive training before starting the expedition.

April and May is the climbing season when many international climbers try to conquer Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

On Tuesday, an American climber reportedly died from a heart attack at the Everest Base Camp (5,300 meters).

A Malaysian team is on its way to the top. (sim)