December 24, 2025 | 08:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A missing climber, who was participating in an illegal climb at Mount Merapi, was finally found on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. However, the survivor named Aldo Oktawijaya (22 years old) was found deceased in the Pronojiwan-Sapu Angin area, Klaten Regency, Central Java.
The Head of Mount Merapi National Park (BTNG Merapi), Muhammad Wahyudi, when contacted by Tempo, confirmed the discovery of the last survivor, who was previously declared missing after participating in an illegal climb at Mount Merapi with two others.
Search since December 20
He said the search for the three illegal climbers who entered through the Kalitalang route in Balerante Village in Kemalang District started on Saturday night, December 20, 2025. Around 15 organizations and agencies were involved in the effort.
"On Wednesday at 14:20 WIB (Western Indonesia Time), the last survivor was found. With heavy hearts, we convey that the victim was found deceased and has been evacuated for further handling," Wahyudi said.
He added that the other two climbers had previously been found. One was found alive and evacuated on Sunday, December 21, 2025, while another climber was evacuated on Monday, December 22, 2025.
"The leaders and all personnel of the TNGM Park convey deep condolences to the victim's family and express gratitude to all parties involved in the search operation," he said.
Warning against illegal climbing
Wahyudi once again urged the public to refrain from illegal climbing activities in the Mount Merapi area to ensure the safety of the area and preserve it for future generations.
The Chief of the Kemalang Police Sector, Adjunct Commissioner Polisi Sarwoko, also confirmed the discovery of the climber. According to him, Aldo's body was found in a ravine around 14:30 WIB.
"It has indeed been found in a deceased condition. The body was immediately taken to the RSUP Dr. Soeradji Tirtonegoro Tegalyoso for preservation," Sarwoko said.
Furthermore, he explained that the victim's family had been informed of the discovery and had been monitoring at the Sapu Angin Post since that day. The autopsy process was carried out at the hospital before further handling.
Earlier, another climber, Panji Rizkyawan (20 years old) from Yogyakarta City, was found alive despite being weak and suffering minor injuries on his feet. The victim was found on Monday, December 22, 2025, after a two-day search operation involving 80 personnel from nine agencies.
According to the initial police statement, three people engaged in illegal climbing from Kalitalang early on Saturday, December 20, 2025, around 4:00 AM WIB. The climbers' vehicles were parked near a resident's house. Of the three individuals, one managed to descend first and report, while the other two were initially declared missing.
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