Mount Bawakaraeng climbers evacuated in South Sulawesi now total 31

Gowa (ANTARA) - The number of climbers experiencing physical difficulties has risen to 31 following the flag-raising ceremony for Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day on Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.

“The majority of climbers were evacuated due to hypothermia, asthma, severe exhaustion, and leg injuries after traversing crowded and extremely cold climbing routes,” said Makassar Basarnas Rescue Commander Darul Astiyadi in a statement received in Gowa on Tuesday.

Previously, 26 people were evacuated by the Joint SAR Team on Monday evening (17/8/2026). However, based on information received this morning, many more climbers were reported to be experiencing physical difficulties, or what is termed ‘trouble’.

Of the dozens of victims treated, most have been successfully evacuated to the Bulu Balea post to receive medical treatment from the joint team or referred to the Tinggi Moncong Community Health Centre.

According to registration post data, 3,786 climbers were recorded entering from four main routes, namely the Bulu Balea, Tassoso, Kanreapia, and Lembanna registration posts, heading towards the mountain summit.

In response to the enthusiasm of participants enlivening the flag-raising ceremony at the mountain summit, 295 joint SAR team personnel were deployed to oversee the activity, spread across eight points including the Ramma Valley and the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng.

Escorting of participants in the Special Red and White SAR Alert Operation from 15 to 18 August 2026 was carried out by joint personnel from Basarnas, SAR communities, volunteers, and medical staff. Personnel were stationed to monitor climbers from the entry routes up to the summit and along their return paths.

Head of the Makassar Class A Search and Rescue Office Muhammad Arif Anwar stressed that safety handling will continue until all climbers are confirmed to have descended safely.

His office urged climbing groups descending on this final day to look after one another and slow their pace. If any group member is exhausted, injured, or unable to descend, they should immediately seek help from the nearest alert post.

“The SAR team is ensuring that all climbers descend safely, even though the special alert operation period ended yesterday,” he said.