Hikers Missing on the TWA Trail of Ijen Crater

File photo - The TWA Ijen Crater climbing trail. ANTARA/Novi Husdinariyanto

JAKARTA - The Search and Rescue Office (SAR Office) of Banyuwangi, East Java, reported that a climber was declared missing on the hiking trail of the Kawah Ijen Natural Park (TWA).

Head of the Banyuwangi SAR Office I Made Oka Astawa said the climber who was declared missing was Muhammad Dzikri Maulana, a resident of Tamansari Village, Licin District.

"Initial information was received from Mr. Evil from the BSI SAR Potential at 20.05 WIB, that the climber departed to climb with four of his colleagues," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 18, reported by ABTARA.

When arriving at the peak of Ijen Crater, continued Oka Astawa, the climber was separated from the group and until now has not been found. The family together with residents and related teams have conducted an initial search around the location.

Based on the report received by the SAR team, he continued, the incident of the climber's disappearance is estimated to have occurred around 08.30 WIB on the Ijen Crater climbing route with coordinates 8°3'41.68"S 114°14'45.83"T.

"Following up on the request for assistance, the rescue team from the Banyuwangi Search and Rescue Office moved to the location tonight," said Oka Astawa.

The SAR operation for climbers on Mount Ijen involved seven rescue personnel, supported by the Banyuwangi BPBD, Licin Police, Licin Military Command, KSDA Mount Ijen, Banyuwangi SAR Independent, and local people.

"Tonight the joint SAR team will make maximum search efforts while still paying attention to the safety factor of personnel," he said.