REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BOYOLALI -- The Search and Rescue Team has been searching for a student of Atmajaya University who was missing after reportedly falling into the crater of Mount Merapi in Boyolali District, Central Java Province.
Commander of Boyolali SAR team Kurniawan Fajar said here on Sunday that the team has been doing the search and rescue mission for Eri Yunanto (21), a resident of Kampung Mbiru, Sleman District, Yogyakarta, since 9.0 a.m. local time.
The search involved hundreds of volunteers from Boyolali, Klaten, Solo and Yogyakarta.
Eri Yunanto was reported to have fallen into the volcano crater on Saturday (May 16) at around 11 a.m.
"Until 1:0 p.m., we haven't reached the location of the incident. The victim slipped that he fell 300 meter deep into the crater," Kurniawan said.
The search and rescue operation demanded extra caution as the terrain at the peak was challenging and risky with slopes at approximately between 70-90 degree, Kurniawan said.
The team should also be aware of the poisonous gas emitted by the volcano during the search.
Meanwhile, Chief of Selo Sector Police Office Adjunct Commissioner Yadiyo said the victim was hiking the Mount Merapi with five of his friends.
They began the journey from the Dukuh Plalangan route in Lencoh Selo Village of Boyolali on Friday at around 10:30 p.m.
The hikers arrived at the Post II in two separated smaller groups.
The first three built the tents while the other three continued their journey to Pasar Bubrah.
The victim with two of his companions arrived at Pasar Bubrah on Saturday at around 3:30 a.m.
Having a rest at Pasar Bubrah, the victim with one of his friends hiked to the peak, while the other one was staying at the tent.
The two arrived at the Garuda Peak at 11 a.m. and managed to take some photographs.
However, during the descent, Eri Yunanto was slipped and fell to the southern part of the crated.
His friend, then, climbed down to the Post II asking for help to the other climbers and reported the incident to New Selo base camp.
"The SAR team could not conduct the search until Sunday Morning as the location was perilous that it was not possible for the operation during the night," Yadiyo said.
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