A 17-year-old tourist died after being swept into the sea by waves while taking photographs at the Apparalang cliffs in Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi. The incident has prompted a police investigation and renewed scrutiny of safety measures at one of the region’s popular tourist attractions.
The victim, identified as Elmi Febrianti, was visiting the Apparalang tourist area in Lembanna Village, Bonto Bahari District, with her family on Sunday, 7 June. According to local authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA).
As reported by DetikSumsel, Andi Hasbullah, Head of the Bulukumba Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), said Elmi and a friend had been visiting a photo spot on the cliffs when a large wave struck the area.
The force of the wave reportedly swept the teenager into the sea. Witnesses were unable to assist her as strong currents carried her away from the shoreline.
Video footage of the incident later circulated on social media, showing the victim struggling in the water. In the footage, she can be seen surfacing several times before being carried further out by the current.
A joint search and rescue team was deployed shortly after the incident. Elmi was found later the same day but was pronounced dead.
“The body has been handed over to the victim’s family,” Andi said, as reported by local media.
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Police Investigation Underway
The Bulukumba Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident following a report filed by the victim’s family.
Bulukumba Police Chief AKBP Restu Wijayanto confirmed that authorities had received a formal complaint and were examining the events leading up to the drowning.
“Today we received a report from the victim’s family,” Restu said.
As part of the investigation, police have temporarily closed access to the Apparalang tourist area.
“(It was closed to) prevent a recurrence. And for the purposes of the investigation,” Restu added.
Authorities have not yet announced when the site will reopen. The investigation is expected to focus on safety procedures and visitor protection measures at the coastal attraction.
The Lack of Safety Measures
The incident has also drawn attention from members of the Bulukumba Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), who summoned the management of the Apparalang tourist site, tourism officials, community representatives, and members of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) for a hearing.
According to Syahruni Haris, Deputy Speaker of the Bulukumba DPRD, discussions during the hearing revealed concerns regarding the preparedness of the site’s safety system.
“Earlier, and while it was ongoing, the chairman of Commission B conducted a hearing (RDP) and summoned the local management, the head of the tourism office, and several other groups, including community leaders. We also invited the Basarnas team,” Syahruni said.
He stated that the council had specifically examined whether adequate safety standards were in place for visitors engaging in activities near the coastline and cliffs.
“I saw that there were no measures at all to ensure visitor safety. I’ll put it this way: usually beaches have lifeguards, as that’s the standard operating procedure (SOP). All coastlines that attract large numbers of tourists should have SOPs, at least with guards and tools like life jackets or life jackets that can help. Meanwhile, there were none at all. I’ve been there, and it’s almost non-existent,” Syahruni explained.
They concerns over the absence of lifeguards, rescue equipment and other preventive measures commonly found at tourist sites located near the sea.
Local authorities are expected to review safety standards at the Apparalang cliffs while the police investigation continues.
