A German tourist was successfully evacuated by a joint search and rescue (SAR) team after being trapped on steep cliff in Ngarai Sianok or Sianok Canyon, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, on Wednesday evening, 8 October 2025.
The tourist, identified as Jörg Ulrich Wilhelm, 67, from Munich, Germany, was climbing the canyon wall in Kayu Gadih Canyon, located in Nagari Taluak IV Suku, Banuhampu District, when he became stranded halfway.
According to Ichwan Pratama Danda, Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division at the Agam Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Jörg had attempted the climb alone at midday.
“He had been climbing alone since noon. When he reached the middle of the cliff, he felt exhausted and was unable to continue climbing or descend,” Ichwan explained.
Local residents later heard his cries for help and immediately contacted the authorities. His screams were also recorded and circulated widely on local social media, prompting a swift response from the rescue team.
The joint operation involved personnel from BPBD Agam, the West Sumatra Disaster Preparedness Cadets (KSB), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Agam Fire Department, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), and local residents. The evacuation began shortly after the team received reports at around 5:00 p.m.
Ichwan stated that the team had to carefully comb the cliff wall to reach the location where the tourist was stranded. “The survivor was successfully evacuated safely by the joint team in the field at 7:20 p.m. and has now been taken to his accommodation,” he said.
@classymediasumbar Seorang wisatawan asal Jerman bernama Joerg terjebak di tebing Ngarai Sianok kawasan Ngarai Kayu Gadih Jambu Aia Nagari Taluak IV Suku Kecamatan Banuhampu Kabupaten Agam, Rabu 8 Oktober 2025. Kejadian berawal saat Joerg melakukan pemanjatan tebing seorang diri sekitar pukul 14.50 WIB. Sesampainya di pertengahan tebing, Joerg merasa kelelahan dan tidak bisa melanjutkan pemanjatan maupun untuk turun ke bawah. Oleh karena itu, ia meminta tolong dengan cara berteriak (help me), sehingga didengar oleh masyarakat dan dilaporkan ke Rescue sekitar pukul 17.00 WIB dan langsung dilakukan evakuasi oleh tim. Joerg berhasil dievakuasi dengan selamat sekitar pukul 19.20 WIB dan telah dibawa kembali ke tempat penginapannya. #bule #wisatawanbukittinggi #ngaraisianok #bukittinggi #classymedia ♬ Notícia Urgente! – TheTrend
SAR Team Saves German Tourist Stranded on Cliff in Ngarai Sianok
Jörg was found conscious and in stable condition, though visibly exhausted from being stranded for several hours on the cliffside. He did not sustain any major injuries, and his evacuation was completed after dark using ropes and safety equipment under the supervision of trained rescue personnel.
The BPBD Agam commended the swift coordination among agencies and local residents in responding to the incident. Authorities reminded visitors and hikers to exercise caution, particularly in the Ngarai Sianok area, which features steep and unstable terrain.
Ngarai Sianok, located near Bukittinggi, is one of West Sumatra’s most popular natural attractions. Known for its dramatic valley views, it attracts both local and international tourists. However, authorities have repeatedly advised against attempting unsupervised climbs or venturing off marked trails.
“The canyon offers stunning scenery but also poses risks if safety procedures are ignored,” Ichwan added. The BPBD urged tourists to seek guidance from local guides before exploring challenging terrain to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The German tourist has since returned to his homestay in Banuhampu after being assessed by local medical officers. The rescue team concluded the operation at around 8:00 p.m.
