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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The tragedy on the peak of Carstensz, Papua, has drawn the attention of Indonesian mountaineers. The tragic event claimed the lives of two climbers, Lilie Wijayati Poegiono and Elsa Laksono. Both are suspected to have succumbed to hypothermia on March 1, 2025.
Experienced mountaineer Robertus Robet stressed the importance of establishing strict regulations regarding the 4,884 meters above sea level mountain expedition. "Stringent regulations are needed for Carstensz mountaineering," Robertus told Tempo on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
The Chair of the Natural Rock Climbing and Recreation Division of the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI) emphasized that regulations are crucial for the operators managing the Carstensz Pyramid ascent. This came after four fatalities occurred on the mountain from September 2024 to March 2025.
Prior to this, an initial from Surabaya identified as HT, 60 years old, passed away during the descent of the Carstensz summit on September 23, 2024. In the same year, a climber from China, LDF, was pronounced dead after falling from a cliff on October 16, 2024. The other victims were Lilie and Elsa. 'So, why did these fatalities occur?' he questioned.
Suspected Causes of Death
Robertus suggested that based on the latest two cases, the cause is suspected to be bad weather and hypothermia. He expressed condolences over the incident. However, he rationalized the need to find ways to prevent further mountaineer fatalities.
He pointed out that when the ascent to the Carstensz peak is open as it is now, many people will attempt the climb. Therefore, regulations are necessary to mitigate the safety and security of the climbers. 'No mountain is without risks, no matter how high it may be,' said the lecturer who has climbed Mount Everest and halted at the Everest Base Camp in 2019.
According to him, as per the information circulating, the team led by Lilie and Elsa arrived at the Yellow Valley one day and immediately set off for the summit the next day. 'So, they acclimatized for less than a day,' stated Robertus.
Acclimatization Must Not be Reduced
Robertus explained that for professional and experienced mountaineers-who have undergone sufficient acclimatization-a one-day acclimatization method could suffice. 'But for amateur climbers or those new to mountaineering, it is extremely risky and dangerous,' he said.
He mentioned that acclimatization must not be reduced for any reason. Mountain climbing operators often do not take sufficient notice of the acclimatization process as part of the safety aspect. 'This often makes the climb risky,' he added.
Therefore, procedures such as acclimatization during mountaineering need to be given attention and established. Robertus stressed that in order to establish strict procedures for the team's safety during the expedition, it requires regulations from the stakeholders and Carstensz climbing permit holders. 'It has to be done,' he concluded.
References for Establishing Mountaineering Regulations
According to Robertus, the stakeholders could establish mountaineering regulations by referring to the rules of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). This federation was founded in 1932 with the objective of promoting and protecting the interests of climbing and mountaineering worldwide. The UIAA represents over 90 member associations and federations in 68 countries.
The sociologist from the State University of Jakarta stated that the UIAA has detailed regulations regarding mountaineering and safety. Everything from tents, ropes, to medical matters has been clearly outlined. 'All of this has to be implemented,' said Robertus, who had previously conducted an expedition to Mount Yala Peak in the Langtang region, Nepal.
Subsequently, Robertus suggested that the Carstensz authorities could collaborate with the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI) to formulate regulations and set safety standards. 'Additionally, FPTI can assist in providing safety training,' he added.
This collaboration aims to establish uniformity in the spirit of mountaineering accompanied by safety and security. This can further enhance the mountaineering tourism industry at Carstensz in the future. 'Mountaineers want to experience joy,' concluded Robertus.
High-Risk Mountaineering
Indonesian mountaineer, Laksmi Prasvita, responded to the news of the deaths of Lilie and Elsa during the descent from the Carstensz summit. She expressed her sadness at losing fellow mountaineer friends of the same generation.
'Mountaineering is not just a stroll, but a highly risky activity,' said the Chairwoman of Zero Sixers Trekking Club to Tempo in the early hours of Sunday, March 2, 2025. Zero Sixers is a mountaineering community composed of alumni from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Indonesia.
According to Laksmi, all parties-climbers, mountaineering operators, guides, and national park rangers-are responsible for safety. This can be achieved through discipline in risk assessment, such as checking the weather, equipment, physical readiness, and climbing plans. If conditions deteriorate, she stressed to not hesitate to descend immediately.
'Safety is the top priority, as life is irreplaceable, while the mountains will always be there,' said the 56-year-old woman who has scaled mountains in Indonesia and Kilimanjaro 30 times.
Carstensz, also known as Puncak Jaya, is located in the Jayawijaya Mountains of Papua. This mountain is the highest peak in Indonesia and is part of the World Seven Summits.
Editor's Choice: Indonesian Mountaineer Lilie Wijayati and Her Colleague Die at Carstensz Peak
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