A joint team in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra, successfully detained a man identified by the initial R who was carrying an air rifle in the Mount Dempo climbing area. This tactical measure was taken following reports from climbers who felt threatened and faced intimidation from the perpetrator while on the climbing trail.
The arrest of the resident of Lahat Regency involved personnel from the Mount Dempo Volcano Registration Office (Brigade), Basarnas, BPBD, and military (TNI) elements. According to the Head of the Brigade, Dian Saputra, a search operation was immediately launched once information regarding the armed man's presence circulated among climbers and on social media.
Before being detained, R allegedly committed acts of violence against six climbers. The victims reportedly suffered physical intimidation, including being beaten, forced to soak in water, and ordered to strip off their clothes. Fortunately, the victims managed to escape the perpetrator's grasp without suffering serious injuries.
In addition to physical violence, the perpetrator reportedly intercepted climbers from PALI Regency at Post 2 of the climbing route. Pointing the air rifle he was carrying, R asked about the whereabouts of climbers from Palembang and claimed to be the guardian (juru kunci) of Mount Dempo, which triggered panic at the scene.
Upon further inspection, the air rifle carried by the perpetrator turned out to be non-functional as it lacked an air pressure tank. The family stated that R suffers from a mental disorder and often hallucinates that he is being followed by ancestors. Currently, the perpetrator has been returned to his family for further medical treatment.
