Timika – The Mimika Police Department in Central Papua has temporarily suspended all hiking activities to Carstensz Pyramid following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two climbers, Lilie Wijayanti Poegiono and Elsa Laksono, due to hypothermia or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This decision aims to ensure the safety of other hikers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Chief of Mimika Police AKBP Billyandha Hildiario Budiman stated, “Hiking has been temporarily suspended since the evacuation process of the two victims began.” Despite facing harsh weather conditions, the evacuation was successfully carried out. The bodies of the two climbers were evacuated to Mimika Regional Hospital before being sent to their hometowns on Monday (March 3) at 10:45 AM local time via Lion Air.
The evacuation process started with Elsa Laksono’s body being evacuated on Sunday (March 2), followed by Lilie Wijayanti Poegiono’s body on Monday (March 3) at 6:53 AM local time. The climbers were pronounced dead on Saturday (March 1, 2025) while climbing Carstensz Pyramid due to hypothermia, a condition caused by extreme cold at high altitudes. This condition, known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a serious threat to climbers in mountainous areas.
The bodies were temporarily housed at Mimika Regional Hospital before being sent to their hometowns. Chief Billyandha mentioned that the temporary suspension of hiking to Carstensz Pyramid would remain in effect until further notice, ensuring the area is deemed safe again.
Hiking to Carstensz Pyramid is known to be one of the greatest challenges for climbers in Indonesia, with difficult terrain and unpredictable weather. Following this tragic incident, authorities hope climbers will pay more attention to their physical and mental preparedness before attempting the ascent.
Additionally, there is an expectation of improved facilities and oversight on the hiking trail to prevent similar incidents in the future. This temporary suspension is a preventive measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all climbers planning to conquer Carstensz Pyramid.
The Mimika Police Department, along with other relevant parties, continues to evaluate and enhance security procedures and readiness in the hiking area. In the long term, collaboration between the government, hiking communities, and private sectors is expected to create a safer and better-planned hiking environment.
During this temporary suspension, climbers are urged to exercise caution and thoroughly prepare themselves before deciding to hike Carstensz Pyramid, for the safety and well-being of all.
