Indonesian Independence Day ceremony on Mount Bawakaraeng: 26 climbers evacuated

Gowa, South Sulawesi – A joint SAR team evacuated 26 climbers from Mount Bawakaraeng after they fell ill or suffered injuries during an event to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day. The climbers, including seven men and 19 women, experienced a range of problems, from minor injuries to severe hypothermia.

Rescuers worked at multiple locations on the mountain, including Pos 5, Pos 7, Pos 8, and the summit at Pos 10. Fourteen climbers were successfully evacuated and received medical attention, while 12 others were still in the process of being brought down to a command post. The issues faced by the climbers included leg injuries, severe exhaustion, falls resulting in spinal injuries, and dangerously low body temperatures.

The evacuation process was carried out in stages, with teams transferring climbers from the summit down to various posts. Those requiring immediate medical care were transported to the Tinggi Moncong Community Health Center. The operation, part of the "Siaga Merah Putih" (Red White Alert) initiative, involved 295 personnel from Basarnas, SAR communities, volunteers, and medical staff.

Mount Bawakaraeng saw a significant number of participants, with 3,786 climbers registering across four entry routes. The operation, which ran from August 15 to 18, 2026, ensured personnel were stationed at eight strategic points to respond to emergencies. The high number of participants underscored the popularity of the mountain for commemorative events.