A 31-year-old South Korean citizen was found dead on the slopes of Mount Agung in Karangasem, Bali. Rescue teams launched a search after he was reported missing. The tourist attempted to climb the volcano without a guide, violating safety recommendations.
“He was found dead, likely due to a fall into a 100-meter ravine. We will provide further details later. The team is still in the process of evacuating the body,” said I Gusti Ngurah Eka Wiadnyana, coordinator of the Karangasem search and rescue team.
The search and rescue operation began on Wednesday, January 1, immediately after receiving a report from the South Korean consulate. According to I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, the tourist last contacted a friend in South Korea at 9:00 AM local time, stating that he was at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above sea level.
The rescue effort involved personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian Armed Forces, the police, and local volunteers. The teams were divided into three groups to cover different areas.
According to I Wayan Suara Arsana, a public relations officer at Pura Pasar Agung Temple, the tourist parked his rented motorcycle near the temple before beginning his hike. Despite warnings from temple staff to hire a guide for safety reasons, he chose to climb alone.
This incident marks the second major rescue operation on Mount Agung in just one week. On December 28, an Indonesian tourist, Ridho Adi Yudistira, was found at 1,700 meters above sea level with a fractured left femur and ribs after slipping and falling into a ravine. His rescue operation lasted two days, and he was fortunate to survive.
Local authorities continue to stress the importance of hiring experienced guides and following safety protocols to prevent such tragic incidents. Tourists planning hikes on Mount Batur or Mount Agung are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially during the monsoon season.
Most cases of missing, injured, or deceased hikers on Bali’s mountains involve individuals who attempted the climb without a guide and lacked sufficient knowledge of the routes or conditions.
Despite being popular hiking destinations, Mount Agung and Mount Batur have challenging and potentially dangerous trails. Large sections of the trails lack clear markings, and signposts are scarce.
Dense cloud cover can quickly obscure visibility, making navigation impossible. Additionally, local regulations require tourists to climb only with a certified guide.
With one of the most severe rainy seasons in Bali’s history ongoing, tourists are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary risks, particularly with adventurous activities like mountain trekking. Many hikes have already been canceled due to hazardous trail conditions.
For those planning to hike Mount Agung or Mount Batur, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced local guide and follow the advice of park rangers and disaster management agencies, especially when treks are canceled or postponed due to weather conditions.
Sources: jakartaglobe.id
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