Gowa, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) – The number of hikers suffering physical distress after attending Indonesia’s Independence Day flag-raising ceremony on Mount Bawakaraeng in South Sulawesi’s Gowa Regency rose to 31, authorities said Tuesday.
Most were evacuated for hypothermia, asthma, severe exhaustion, or leg injuries after navigating crowded trails in extreme cold, said Darul Astiyadi, rescue commander at the Makassar Search and Rescue Office.
A joint search and rescue (SAR) team evacuated 26 people on Monday night, but subsequent reports Tuesday morning indicated additional hikers were experiencing health issues, officials said.
Most of those treated were evacuated to the Bulu Balea standby post for emergency medical care before potential referral to the Tinggi Moncong Community Health Center.
As of Tuesday morning, rescuers were still carrying down a hiker who suffered a severe knee injury near Post 7 on the steep Lembanna trail.
Official registration posts recorded 3,786 hikers ascending via four primary routes—Bulu Balea, Tassoso, Kanreapia, and Lembanna—all leading toward Mount Bawakaraeng’s summit.
Authorities deployed 295 joint SAR personnel across eight strategic posts, including Ramma Valley and the summit, as part of the Red-and-White Special SAR Alert Operation held from Aug. 15 to Aug. 18.
The personnel—comprising Basarnas officers, SAR communities, medical workers, and volunteers—monitored hikers along their ascent and descent routes to ensure safety.
Muhammad Arif Anwar, head of the Makassar Search and Rescue Office, said safety operations will continue until all hikers have safely descended the mountain.
He urged groups descending on the final day to look after one another, maintain a steady pace, and immediately seek assistance at the nearest standby post.
“SAR teams will ensure all hikers descend safely, continuing support even as the special alert operation wraps up,” Arif said.
Translator: M.Darwin F, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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