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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The fourth days before news of the deaths came from the slopes of Carstensz Pyramid, climber Lilie Wijayati wrote about the clothing equipment that would be worn on the mountain. Lilie posted the update on her Instagram account @mamakpendaki.
"D-4 (fourth day) towards the roof of Indonesia, Carstensz Pyramid," said Lilie in her post on @mamakpendaki, Tuesday, February 25, 2025. There is no exact information on when Lilie and her team started their journey to Carstensz.
Lilie Wijayati's Post for Carstensz Climb Preparation
Lilie, who was part of the climbing team towards Puncak Jaya-another name for Carstensz-passed away during the journey. She passed away together with a friend, Elsa Laksono.
Both were close to 60 years old. Lilie and Elsa were reported to have suffered from hypothermia, a condition when the body temperature drops drastically below 35 degrees Celsius.
In her post, Lilie wrote that after months of physical and mental training, one of the important things to prepare was the gear. "This time, I visited Columbia Gandaria City Jakarta to choose equipment that suits the expedition's needs," she said.
Previously in an article by Tempo titled "Lilie Wijayati Menuju Tujuh Puncak Gunung Tertinggi Indonesia" (Lilie Wijayati Heading to Indonesia's Seven Highest Peaks), written by journalist Handewi Pramesti, Lilie had just completed the six highest mountains in Indonesia. She was determined to climb Puncak Jaya to complete the seven highest peaks in Indonesia.
In the article published on January 29, 2025, Handewi wrote that if there were no obstacles, by the end of February, Lilie Wijayati would be noted as the oldest woman on the list of people who could reach the highest peaks in Indonesia.
"Considering that this expedition is quite challenging, a mountain with the highest rainfall and snow, I am very careful in choosing gear, discussing, and this is my choice," she said.
In the selection of equipment at a store, Lilie was seen trying on a jacket, showcasing Columbia brand shoes, while standing in front of a mirror. The activity of choosing clothing equipment was presented in the form of a short video.
In her equipment selection, Lilie wrote: the first layer, Baselayer Omni-Heat Infinity. Used to warm and maintain body temperature. The second layer: Titanium Arctic Crest Sherpa Fleece. An additional layer, she said, "If necessary, I will add Titanium Arctic Crest Down Jacket," she said.
As for the jacket, specifically the outer layer, Outdry Extreme Jacket. "A waterproof jacket resistant to high rainfall," she said. For pants, she chose Hazy Trail Rain Pant. She also chose shoes for the journey. "For shoes, I confidently chose the Facet 75 Mid-Outdry in the burgundy color which is trending in 2025," wrote Lilie.
She also thanked the @columbiasportswear.id account. She mentioned that the store had supported her in the expedition to Carstensz Pyramid.
"Hopefully, with the right preparation and gear, this expedition will go smoothly and successfully!" she said. "In my opinion, my choices are correct and cool. What do you think?"
Evacuation of the Bodies
Chair of the Indonesian Mountain Guide Association (APGI) Rahman Mukhlis, said he received news of the deaths of the two climbers on Saturday morning, March 1, 2025. "The victims are Mrs. Lilie and Mrs. Elsa, two climbers from Jakarta," he said, in a phone call in the early hours of Sunday, March 2, 2025
Information he received stated that Lilie and Elsa's team was climbing from Timika. This team departed using a helicopter and stopped at Lembah Kuning. Apart from Lilie and Elsa, three other climbers were reported to have suffered from hypothermia.
Rahman, who has guided climbers to the Peak of Carstensz five times, said that information from his colleague in Timika, the climbing operator had coordinated with the police and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to bring Lilie and Elsa home. "Hopefully the evacuation process tomorrow (today) will go smoothly," said the man who last climbed Carstensz in 2018.
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