inp.polri.go.id - Gowa. The number of climbers needing to be evacuated has risen to 31 after participating in a series of flag-raising ceremonies commemorating the 81st Indonesian Independence Day on Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.
"The majority of climbers were evacuated due to hypothermia, severe asthma, fatigue, and leg injuries after traversing the crowded and extremely cold hiking trail," said Makassar Search and Rescue Agency Commander Darul Astiyadi in a statement received in Gowa on Tuesday (8/18/2026).
Previously, 26 people were evacuated by the Joint SAR Team on Monday evening (8/17/2026). However, according to information received this morning, many climbers were still experiencing physical difficulties, or what is known as trouble.
Of the dozens of victims treated, most were successfully evacuated to the Bulu Balea Command Post for medical treatment by the joint team or referrals to the Tinggi Moncong Community Health Center.
As of Tuesday (8/18/2026) morning, the team on the ground was still struggling to evacuate a climber who suffered a serious knee injury near Post 7 on the Lembanna trail. The victim was carried down the mountain on a stretcher to safety, taking into account the steep terrain.
Data from the registration post shows that 3,786 climbers have registered, entering via four main routes: Bulu Balea, Tassoso, Kanreapia, and Lembanna, heading to the summit.
In response to the enthusiasm of the participants who wanted to attend the flag-raising ceremony at the summit, 295 joint SAR team personnel were deployed to oversee the activity at eight locations, including the Ramma Valley and the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng.
He stated that emergency response efforts until the final day, with joint personnel deployed at eight strategic points, including the Ramma Valley and Bawakaraeng Peak, remain on full alert to monitor the climbers' return journey.
Head of the Makassar Class A Search and Rescue Office, Muhammad Arif Anwar, emphasized that safety measures will continue until all climbers are confirmed to have safely descended.
He urged groups of climbers descending on the final day to look after each other and slow down their pace.
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