SAR team escorts 2,557 climbers for ceremony on Mount Bawakaraeng
Gowa (ANTARA) - A joint SAR team is escorting 2,557 climbers who have been recorded as having reached the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng in preparation for a flag ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.
“Personnel are on standby at a number of strategic points along the climbing route to the summit area. Our focus is ensuring all climbers carry out their activities safely. If an emergency occurs, the team will immediately provide assistance,” said Head of the Makassar Basarnas Office Muhammad Arif Anwar in Gowa on Sunday.
From the latest data update, the number reached 2,557 people. The breakdown is 94 people via the Lembanna registration route, 1,195 people via Bulu Balea, 872 people via Tassoso, and 396 people via Kanreapia.
To support security, Makassar Basarnas has placed teams at a number of points spread across the Lembanna Post, Aju Bulu Balea Post, Post 5, Post 7, Post 8 on the Lembanna route, Ramma Valley, the Tassoso route and the summit area of Mount Bawakaraeng.
So far, since the Special Alert report was issued, no climbers have been reported to have experienced problems such as illness, death, or requiring emergency assistance.
“So far the situation is still safe. Nevertheless, we urge all climbers to remain careful, maintain their physical condition, bring appropriate equipment, and follow the directions of officers and volunteers in the field,” he stressed.
The joint SAR team began moving to their placement points on Saturday night (15/8). Continuing on Sunday (16/8), personnel monitored the movement of climbers towards the summit.
Weather conditions in the Mount Bawakaraeng area were reported to be clear. Makassar Basarnas always reminds climbers to pay attention to changes in weather conditions and not to force themselves if they experience fatigue or health problems.
According to him, the spirit of commemorating independence must be accompanied by safety awareness. Do not let the euphoria of climbing cause climbers to ignore their own condition or the environment.
The Merah Putih Special Alert runs from 15-18 August 2026. During that period, joint SAR personnel remain at their respective placement points to monitor and provide a rapid response if needed.
The number of joint SAR personnel recorded was 211 personnel from various elements in the Special Alert operation. These include the KPP Makassar Rescue Team, SAR Locus, SAR Marteam, KSR PNUP, Redcar, TBM UMI, Saukang Explorer, SAR Hasanuddin, and Daeng Tisia Rescue.
Furthermore, TRC Tonasa, Tekpala UMI, Mapala UMI, Kedokteran UMI, Siaga Ners, KSR Sakura, SAR UNM, Humanity, KSR PMI UMI, KSR UMI, Koopsa, DPG, WPLH-Fosil MKS, Jejak Kanreapia Rescue, Rescue Bulu Bialo, TBF Sternum Unhas, SAR Pangkep, SRT, Kalla Rescue, and Team Alfa.
The number of climbers participating in the flag ceremony commemorating independence day on Mount Bawakaraeng this year was 2,557 people. Meanwhile, in the same period in 2025, more participants were recorded, with 4,068 climbers.
However, 25 participants experienced problems. Seventeen people at Post 8 and Post 10, one person sprained an ankle at Post 8, two people were separated from their group at Post 8, and one person each experienced acid reflux and headache at Bulubalea Post.