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| Gone for 17 Days, 18-Year-Old Hiker Syafiq Ali Found Dead Near the Summit of Mount Slamet. |
Mount Slamet has once again become the setting of a heartbreaking story. After more than two weeks of searching and hoping for a miracle, the worst news finally arrived. Syafiq Ridhan Ali Razan, an 18-year-old hiker who had been missing for 17 days, was found dead near the summit of the mountain.
Syafiq Ali was discovered on Wednesday (January 14) at around 10:22 a.m. local time along the Gunung Malang ridge, specifically in the Batu Watu Langgar area. The location is still within the upper zone of Mount Slamet, an area known for its extreme weather and dangerous terrain.
“We can confirm that the survivor, Syafiq Ali, has been found deceased,” said Sutrisno, the Head of Clekatakan Village, in a somber statement.
A Climb That Ended in Tragedy
Syafiq Ali began his hike with a close friend, Himawan Choidar Bahran, via the Dipajaya Clekatakan trail in Pemalang Regency on Saturday night, December 27, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m.
But somewhere along the climb, things went wrong. The two became separated near Post 9. Himawan was later found alive at Post 5 and immediately evacuated to the Dipajaya basecamp. According to his account, Syafiq Ali was trying to look for help when they lost contact.
After that moment, Syafiq Ali vanished without a trace.
Found Just 50 Meters from the Summit
After 17 long days of intense searching, the discovery finally brought answers—though not the ones everyone hoped for. Catur Budi Fajar Sumarmo, Assistant for Government and Public Welfare Affairs at the Magelang City Secretariat, said the victim was found extremely close to the summit.
“He wasn’t at the bottom of the crater, but on the crater’s cliff near the top. The distance was only about 50 meters from the summit,” Catur explained.
The information reached local authorities around 10:30 a.m., directly from the SAR team stationed near the peak. For the family and volunteers who had been waiting anxiously, the news was devastating.
Personal Belongings Scattered, Hypothermia Suspected
Arie Affandi, Head of the Wanadri SAR Operation, described the condition in which Syafiq Ali was found. The location was still close to the area where he and his friend were last together.
“Several personal items were found scattered nearby, including his wallet, trekking pole, flashlight, emergency blanket, and other gear,” Affandi told reporters.
The body was not buried or covered by sand. Based on observations at the site, the SAR team believes Syafiq Ali passed away about four to five days before he was found.
“Physically, the body was still in relatively good condition,” Affandi added.
The team strongly suspects hypothermia as the cause of death. This was supported by the condition of the victim’s clothing.
“He had removed his pants down to his knees, as well as his shoes and socks. This behavior is commonly seen in severe hypothermia cases,” Affandi explained.
Difficult Evacuation, Weather Becomes a Major Obstacle
Recovering Syafiq Ali’s body proved to be an enormous challenge. The steep terrain and rapidly changing weather slowed the evacuation process. By 3:00 p.m., the body had only been moved about 100 meters from the discovery point.
According to Catur, transporting the body to the Dipajaya basecamp was expected to take around 15 hours. The plan was to bring the body to Pemalang Regional Hospital before returning it to Magelang, where the family awaits.
However, worsening weather forced the rescue team to stop and take shelter at one of the hiking posts.
“That’s correct. Due to bad weather, the evacuation has been postponed and will continue tomorrow,” Sutrisno confirmed.
A Painful Reminder for All Hikers
Syafiq Ali’s death has left deep sorrow—not only for his family, but also for the hiking community. His story is a harsh reminder that mountains are not just scenic destinations, but powerful natural environments that demand preparation, awareness, and respect.
Syafiq Ali may never make it home alive, but his journey serves as a warning for others. May he rest in peace, and may his family find strength during this painful time.