REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LUMAJANG -- Two climbers have been found after becoming lost while climbing East Java's famous Mount Semeru.

"The two climbers have been evacuated to Tawon Songo of Senduro Sub-district, Lumajang District, East Java," Head of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Board (TNBTS) Ayu Dewi Utari said here on Tuesday.

The climbers, identified as Jakarta residents Aziz Fuadhi (21) and M. Rifki Perdana (20), were reported missing while hiking on Mount Semeru on Thursday night (Nov 7) at 10:00 pm local time.

They were separated from a group while climbing down the highest volcano on Java Island (3,676m above sea level).

Aziz and Rifki were unable to continue climbing and took a break in the Cemoro Tunggal area.

When the group returned to pick up the two, Azis and Rifki had left.

"The TNBTS, along with the Search and Rescue Team personnel, searched the area and found Azis alive on Sunday (Nov 10) clinging on a cliff, 75 meters deep, and suffering from a fractured leg," Utari said.

Rifki was found one day later. Both climbers were exhausted and starving.

The TNBTS temporarily closed the climbing track, located at the border of Lumajang and Malang District.

"We are going to have an evaluation before the track is re-opened," Utari said.

Moreover, Utari said there were many climbers in violation of rules at the climbing range of Mount Semeru, as it is operating under an alert II level.

The Board has urged hikers climb only until the Kalimati area, and not attempt to reach the Mount's peak due to its volcanic activity.

"However, some climbers are still violating the limit. So did the group that the two ill-fated climbers belong to," Utari said.

The Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) had issued a safe distance limit of a four kilometer radius from Mount Semeru's peak, as the volcano was still at an alert status.

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