Joint SAR teams resume search for two missing Mount Semeru climbers

Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) - A joint search and rescue (SAR) team resumed its search for two climbers reported missing on Mount Semeru in Ranu Pani Village, Lumajang District, East Java, on the second day of the operation on Sunday.

“The SAR operation began with a briefing at 6:30 am local time, followed by deployment of the division of search and rescue units (SRUs) to comb several Mount Semeru hiking trails,” on-scene coordinator (OSC) S. Jefriyanzah Putra Pratama said in Lumajang, East Java.

The search was divided into several sectors. SRU I combed from the Mount Semeru climbing gate in Ranu Pani to Ranu Kumbolo, an estimated four-hour trek, and has been searching since the first day of the search on Saturday (Nov 7).

On Sunday, SRU II combed from Ranu Pani via Ayak-ayak toward Kalimati.

Both SRUs then combed from Kalimati toward the summit area, an estimated six-hour trek.

“Weather conditions at the site are clear,” he said.

Head of Banyuwangi SAR Office I Made Oka Astawa said the search involved about 50 personnel from various joint SAR elements.

They included the Jember SAR Post Rescue Team, the Banyuwangi SAR Office, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Lumajang’s Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the Mount Semeru Observation Post, registered guides, the military, police, and local residents.

To support the operation, the team deployed operational vehicles, thermal drones, and mountaineering, jungle rescue, medical, evacuation, and communication equipment.

According to Astawa, the Banyuwangi SAR Office and all joint elements have optimized the search while prioritizing the safety of all personnel involved.

The two climbers, with initials BKW (19) from Sidoarjo District and MWF (19) from Surabaya, were reported missing while climbing Mount Semeru on Saturday (Nov 7).

They allegedly entered the mountain without following official registration and permit procedures.

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Translator: Zumrotun, Kenzu
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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