August 17, 2026 | 09:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rescuers evacuated 16 hikers from the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The climbers suffered hypothermia while participating in a series of flag-hoisting ceremonies commemorating the 81st Indonesian Independence Day.
"Most of the victims suffered symptoms of hypothermia due to extreme cold temperatures, leg injuries, and severe physical exhaustion," said Muhammad Arif Anwar, Head of the Makassar Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) Office, in Gowa, Monday, August 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
Arif explained that his team had evacuated eight climbers and taken them to the Registration Post in Bulu Balea. As of Monday evening, the rescue team was still gradually evacuating climbers who needed assistance and providing direct medical treatment at the emergency post.
Some climbers were referred to nearby health facilities, such as the Tinggi Moncong Public Health Center (Puskesmas).
According to Arif, data recorded a total of 3,786 registered climbers, spreading across four entry points on the main route to the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng.
In detail, there are 2,033 people registered at the Bulu Balea Registration Post, 1,081 at the Tassoso Post, 422 at the Kanreapia Post, and 250 at the Lembanna Post. Joint personnel monitor the heavy traffic at these routes to keep pace with the dynamic terrain on the ground.
Ahead of Independence Day, Basarnas established a Red and White Operation from August 15 to 18, 2026, involving 295 joint personnel from Basarnas, the SAR community, volunteers, and medical personnel. They were stationed at eight strategic points, including the mountain peak and the Ramma Valley, to respond quickly to any emergency.
Read: How Much Does Independence Day Ceremony at IKN Cost This Year?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
How Much Does Independence Day Ceremony at IKN Cost This Year?
3 jam lalu
IKN Authority held a ceremony to commemorate the 81st Independence Day on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Independence Day: Freedom Loses Meaning Without Job Creation
4 jam lalu
Aspirasi believes that the Independence Day celebration must be realized through decent jobs, fair wages, employment security, and prosperous future.
US, Egypt, and More Extend Independence Day Greetings to Indonesia
6 jam lalu
Friendly countries have extended congratulations to Indonesia over its Independence Day commemoration on August 17.
Indonesia: Thousands Await Aid After Earthquake Kills 68
7 jam lalu
Indonesia marked its Independence Day on Monday but celebrations have been overshadowed by an earthquake which has left over 60 people dead.
Russia's Putin Congratulates Indonesia on Independence Day
7 jam lalu
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to President Prabowo Subianto on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Prabowo's Photo Unfurled Mid-Air at Independence Day Celebration
9 jam lalu
TNI soldiers showcase parachuting skills during Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. They unfurled a giant photo of President Prabowo.
Will Prabowo Visit Earthquake-Hit NTT Soon?
10 jam lalu
Several ministers in Prabowo's administration were absent during the 81st Independence Day ceremony in Jakarta.
679 Salemba Prison Inmates Receive Remission on Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
11 jam lalu
A total of 679 inmates from Salemba Prison received General Remission on Indonesia's 81st Anniversary Independence Day.
Indonesians Queue from 2 a.m. to Attend Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace
16 jam lalu
Indonesians queue from as early as 2 a.m. to attend Indonesia's 81st Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
Jakarta to See Partly Cloudy Skies on Indonesia's Independence Day, BMKG Says
17 jam lalu
BMKG forecasts partly cloudy skies across Jakarta on Indonesia's Independence Day, with temperatures reaching 28C as El Nino raises drought risks.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg):watermark(kly-media-production/assets/images/watermarks/bola/watermark-color-landscape-new.png,1125,20,0)/kly-media-production/medias/7336618/original/055797600_1780120424-20260530_105918.jpg)