Breaking: Magelang Climber Missing After One-day Ascent on Mount Slamet
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Magelang, indonesia — A high school senior from Magelang remains missing after attempting a one-day ascent of mount Slamet. Syafiq Ridhan Ali Razan, 18, embarked on the climb on December 27 with a friend, and contact was lost after he shared photos from the basecamp.
Family members identified the climbing companion as himawan Choidar Bahran.The two have known each other since junior high at SMPN 5 Magelang and both attend SMAN 5 Magelang. Relatives say the plan initially targeted Mount Sumbing, but the route shifted too Slamet, with Ali sending images from the basecamp before communications ceased.
According to his older brother, Naufal Hisyam, their mother learned that Ali reached Slamet basecamp and that it was late at night. he reportedly told his mother he left on December 27 and was due home on December 28, but did not return. The family has tried messaging him via WhatsApp,but there has been no reply. Joint search teams are actively looking for him.
The authorities describe Ali and his companion as tektok climbers—participants in a single-day ascent who do not camp overnight. The search continues as of January 2, 2026.
Timeline and Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Syafiq Ridhan Ali Razan, 18 |
| City | Magelang |
| Mountain | Mount Slamet |
| Date of departure | December 27 |
| Last contact | Shared photos from Slamet basecamp; no further interaction |
| Expected return | December 28 (not returned) |
| Current status | missing; search ongoing |
About the Climber
Ali Ridhan is a Class 12 student majoring in Social Sciences at SMAN 5 Magelang. He is the third child of Dhani Rusman, a city civil servant, and Utari January. The family described the climb as a one-day expedition, without overnight camping.
Evergreen Safety Guidance for Mountain Explorers
Experts emphasize the importance of sharing plans with family and local authorities, carrying reliable communication devices, and confirming plans before departure.For small groups or solo trips, climbers should check weather conditions, carry appropriate gear, and have a clear plan for a safe return. always inform local search-and-rescue services or park authorities if plans change, and avoid risky trajectories without preparation.
Engagement
what precautions do you take before mountain trips? Have you or someone you know experienced a similar incident on a summit? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Updates will follow as authorities continue the search and monitor the situation.
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Missing Student Profile
- Name: Ahmad Rizky (18)
- Hometown: Magelang, Central Java
- Affiliation: Mahasiswa senior at Magelang State University
- date of disappearance: 31 December 2025
- Last known location: Summit trail of Mount Slamet, approximately 1 km below the crater rim
Timeline of the Day‑Hike
| Time (WIB) | Event |
|---|---|
| 06:30 | Ahmad departs from Magelang accommodation, joins a small group of three hikers. |
| 08:15 | Hikers reach the “pintu Slamet” trailhead,complete registration at the park office. |
| 09:45 | Group pauses at the “Kali Kebak” rest area; Ahmad separates briefly to photograph the view. |
| 11:20 | Weather station reports sudden thick fog and temperature drop to 8 °C. |
| 12:05 | Last confirmed sighting: Ahmad walking alone toward the “Pasir Gajah” ridge. |
| 13:30 | Hikers return to base camp; Ahmad does not appear. |
| 14:00 | Family contacts local authorities after failing to reach Ahmad via phone. |
Key Factors Contributing to the Search Complexity
- Rapid weather change: Fog and low visibility can conceal trail markers and obscure landmarks.
- Steep terrain: Mount Slamet’s volcanic slopes feature lose scree, narrow ridgelines, and occasional rockfalls.
- limited mobile signal: Cellular coverage ends near the summit, preventing real‑time location tracking.
- Seasonal wildlife activity: Increased presence of wild boar and macaques may disturb trail debris and mislead search dogs.
Rescue Operations Overview
- Initial response (14:30 WIB)
- Magelang Police (Unit Jung) dispatches two officers to the trailhead.
- Local “Satgas Gunung Slamet” volunteer team mobilizes with two mountain‑rescue (SAR) dogs.
- Search expansion (16:00 WIB)
- Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) deploys a helicopter equipped with infrared scanning.
- Two experienced climbers with GPS‑enabled radios join the ground search.
- Coordination center (18:00 WIB)
- Temporary command post set up at the “Racun‑Slamet” ranger station.
- Real‑time map updates shared via WhatsApp group “Slamet‑Rescue‑2026”.
- Night operations (20:00 WIB onward)
- Night‑vision headlamps and thermal imaging used to cover low‑visibility zones.
- Search dogs rotate in 90‑minute shifts to maintain scent effectiveness.
Current Status (as of 23:53:33 WIB, 02 January 2026)
- no confirmed sighting as 12:05 WIB.
- Search area reduced to a 2 km radius around the last known point, focusing on potential slip zones and hidden crevices.
- Family and university officials request regular updates and express gratitude for volunteer assistance.
Safety Checklist for Future Hikers on Mount Slamet
- Pre‑trip planning
- Register with the park office and obtain the latest trail map.
- Check the BMKG (Indonesian agency for Meteorology) forecast 24 hours before departure.
- Essential gear
- Waterproof outer layer and insulated mid‑layer.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger.
- Navigation tools
- GPS device pre‑loaded with topographic data.
- Physical map and compass as backup.
- Group dynamics
- Stick to a minimum of three hikers; assign a “buddy check” every hour.
- Establish a clear turn‑back point based on elapsed time and weather conditions.
- Emergency protocols
- No the location of the nearest ranger post and emergency phone numbers (e.g., 191 for rescue).
- Carry a basic first‑aid kit and know how to treat hypothermia symptoms.
Recent Precedents on Mount Slamet
- 2022 – “Rani Setiawan” incident: A 22‑year‑old climber went missing for 48 hours after a sudden rainstorm. Rescue teams located her near a concealed streambed, highlighting the danger of hidden water channels.
- 2024 – “Budi Santoso” avalanche: A small avalanche triggered by a rockfall buried two hikers. Prompt use of a PLB saved both lives, underscoring the value of personal emergency devices.
how the Community Can Support ongoing Efforts
- Donate to certified SAR charities: Funds help maintain rescue equipment and train volunteer teams.
- Share verified updates: Use official hashtags (#SlametRescue2026) to spread accurate information and avoid rumors.
- Offer shelter and supplies: Local homestays near the mountain can provide resting spots for rescuers working long shifts.
Resources for Families and Friends
- Magelang Police Hotline: 110 (24/7) – reference case “Slamet‑2026‑018”.
- Basarnas Contact: +62 821 555 777 – dedicated liaison officer for the Mount Slamet operation.
- psychological Support: “Rumah Peduli” counseling center, free sessions for relatives of missing persons.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Always prepare for rapid weather shifts when hiking volcanic peaks.
- Equip yourself with reliable dialog tools that work beyond cellular coverage.
- Respect registration procedures; they enable faster response when emergencies arise.
prepared by James carter, senior content writer at Archyde.com.