TABANAN, BNEWS.ID – Five young hikers were evacuated by a joint SAR team after suffering from exhaustion while descending Mount Batukaru in Tabanan early Sunday (Oct 12, 2025). Fortunately, all hikers were found safe.

Search and Rescue Coordinator Dwi Jumi Antara explained that a group of nine hikers began their ascent via the Pura Malen route on Saturday (Oct 11, 2025) at around 8:45 a.m. WITA. On their descent later that day, the group split into two smaller teams. The five hikers in the second group became fatigued at an altitude of 1,725 meters above sea level and required assistance.

“Upon receiving the report, at around 3:20 a.m. we immediately launched a joint SAR operation to locate the group,” said Jumi Antara.

At approximately 5:45 a.m., the five hikers were located at an altitude of 1,534 meters above sea level at coordinates 08°19’53.63″ S – 115°4’37.45″ E. They were found suffering from leg cramps and were promptly evacuated down to Pura Malen.

Head of the Denpasar Class A Search and Rescue Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya, S.H., said his team received a report from another group of hikers who had encountered the exhausted climbers. Seven personnel from the Buleleng SAR Post were deployed, coordinating with BPBD Tabanan, Pupuan Police, local guides, and community members.

“The SAR operation was officially concluded after all hikers were found safe. We urge anyone planning to climb Mount Batukaru to properly prepare physically and bring sufficient supplies to avoid similar incidents,” Sidakarya emphasized. (*)