ULM Nature Lovers Join Joint Search and Rescue Team in Mandin Damar
BANJARBARU – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) demonstrated its social responsibility through direct student involvement in the search operation for the BK 117-03 helicopter that lost contact near the Mandin Damar Waterfall in Gunung Raya Village, Mantewe District, Tanah Bumbu Regency, on Monday (September 1, 2025).
Around 20 ULM students from various nature lovers’ groups and humanitarian organizations, such as Mapala Sylva Fahutan, Mapala Graminea Faperta, Mapala Piranha FPIK, and Mapala FT, joined other volunteers. They departed for the search location in four vehicles from Banjarbaru on Monday evening.
“Our members have arrived at base camp and will begin the search on Tuesday morning,” said Abdul Rohman Agung, Head of Mapala Sylva Fahutan ULM.
In addition to ULM students, the search was also supported by Basarnas Banjarmasin, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana), and volunteers from various rescue organizations. A total of approximately 140 joint personnel were deployed to search a forest area of approximately 27 square kilometers, both by land and air.
However, coordination efforts in the field were challenging. Abdul Rohman Agung stated that communication with Mapala members at the location was hampered by weak phone signals in the forest. Nevertheless, students remained actively involved in the search and logistical support in the field.
Meanwhile, I Putu Sudayana, Head of Basarnas Banjarmasin, who serves as Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC), explained that the search operation was scheduled to last seven days and could be extended by three days if new signs emerged. Field clues were obtained from residents who had seen a low-flying helicopter emitting smoke before disappearing behind the mountains.
This information from residents strengthened the suspicion of the crash site of the helicopter, registered PK-RGH, which was carrying eight people, including the pilot, technician, and passenger. The joint SAR team still had to penetrate dense jungle, cross rivers, and even open new routes in difficult-to-reach terrain.
The presence of ULM students in this humanitarian operation demonstrates the university’s role in contributing to the community. Through collaboration with official agencies and volunteers, ULM affirms its commitment to always being present at every solidarity action in South Kalimantan.
