Indonesian climbers became the first Asian team to summit Trango Towers via the “Eternal Flame” route in Pakistan.
The expedition, part of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebrations, aims to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote tourism, and deepen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia.
In a remarkable achievement that blends adventure with diplomacy, a team of Indonesian climbers has successfully summited the formidable Trango Towers in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, one of the world’s most challenging vertical rock faces.
The feat was part of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebrations and marks the first time in Asian history that a team has conquered the peak via the treacherous “Eternal Flame” route.
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The six-member “IBEX” team, under the banner of Red and White Expedition to Trango Tower (EMPTT 2025), climbed approximately 1,100 meters of sheer rock wall between July 25 and August 10, facing extreme cold, low oxygen levels, snow, and dangerous terrain. On August 11, they reached the summit and proudly hoisted the red and white Indonesian flag (Merah-Putih) atop the vertical peak.
Indonesia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta, said the expedition symbolizes the deepening of people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Indonesia.
“Climbing Trango Towers is part of our 80th Independence Day celebration. It’s not just a mountaineering achievement but also a reflection of our strong brotherly relationship with Pakistan. This mission brings our peoples closer.”
He emphasized that the expedition is part of a broader effort to promote Pakistan’s tourism, sports, and hospitality internationally. Indonesia plans to organize more such expeditions in the near future and will also invite more young climbers and international friends to join.
Mr. Hindiarta also highlighted the growing mutual engagement between the two countries, noting that Pakistan is the largest recipient of educational scholarships from Indonesia. In 2023, Indonesia issued 14,261 tourist visas to Pakistani nationals. Pakistani tourism to Indonesia increased by 61%, with an average spending of USD 1,100 per trip. Both nations are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, which are now evolving into deeper cultural, academic, and adventure-based collaborations.
“We’ve met with the Alpine Club of Pakistan and agreed on the need to build stronger climbing and tourism partnerships. Indonesia is known for sport climbing, while Pakistan is rich with natural mountains ideal for mountaineering. There’s great potential to train and exchange expertise,” he added.
The climbers shared dramatic accounts of the expedition, calling it one of the toughest challenges they’ve ever faced. One of the team members was injured during the climb after being struck by a rock. The team immediately contacted the Indonesian Embassy, which coordinated with the Crisis Center in Skardu. After a six-hour rescue operation, the injured climber was safely brought down.
“It was a tough mission. We faced freezing temperatures, altitude sickness, and dangerous rock falls. But with patience and determination, we made it to the top,” said team leader Freden Sembiring.
They expressed their desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in sports climbing, inviting Pakistani climbers to Indonesia for future joint expeditions and training programs.
“Trango is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. We wanted to showcase how beautiful Pakistan is and how both countries can collaborate through adventure sports.”
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The success of the Red and White Expedition 2025 has not only earned Indonesia a place in mountaineering history but also opened new avenues for diplomacy through adventure sports.
It demonstrates how shared values of resilience and friendship can lead to groundbreaking achievements in the harshest terrains.
The Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad paid special tribute to the climbers in a celebratory event, praising their bravery and dedication while reaffirming their commitment to deeper bilateral cooperation.
