Three men missing while collecting gaharu wood in Bukit Bedung forest found alive and well
After more than 12 days missing in Natuna’s dense Bukit Bedung forest, three gaharu wood seekers have been found alive. Their disappearance triggered a massive search involving SAR teams, local authorities, and concerned residents.
Search Mission in Remote Natuna
Three residents of Natuna — Didik Setiawan (41), Nur Gais Sugito (44), and M. Hasanuddin (35) — were reported missing on July 11, 2025, after venturing into Bukit Bedung forest on July 1 to search for gaharu wood. Gaharu, also known as agarwood, is highly valued for its aromatic resin used in perfumes and incense.
The last communication with their families occurred on July 7, when the men indicated they would extend their expedition by eight more days. However, due to a misunderstanding, the family expected them home by July 8. When no news arrived by July 11, concerns escalated, prompting an official report to the Basarnas (SAR) office in Natuna.
SAR Teams Mobilized for Search
Head of Basarnas Natuna, Abdul Rahman, immediately deployed two search teams. One team began the search from Desa Selemam, while the other scoured the forest from Desa Pengadah. The teams worked tirelessly through challenging forest terrain and had to camp overnight in the woods due to poor visibility and rough conditions.
On the afternoon of Sunday, July 13, the missing men were found safe in the forest near Desa Pengadah. They were later escorted to the Basarnas office in Natuna for health checks and interviews to understand how they became unreachable.
Miscommunication and Equipment Failure
The disappearance was not due to being lost but rather to miscommunication and equipment failure. According to Abdul Rahman, the men had no way of contacting their families after their mobile phones and power banks ran out of battery. This communication breakdown fueled panic among family members.
“The victims were surprised to learn a large-scale search had been launched for them,” said Rahman. “They didn’t expect such a widespread response.”
Massive Joint Effort
The successful rescue was made possible through a coordinated effort involving the Basarnas Natuna, TNI, Polri, BPBD Natuna, and local village authorities from Batubi Jaya and Selemam. Also assisting were local trail communities and residents familiar with the terrain.
This incident underlines the importance of communication tools and emergency preparedness when entering remote forest areas, especially for economic activities such as harvesting gaharu wood.
Local Wisdom Meets Modern Coordination
The community’s rapid response highlights the growing efficiency of local disaster response mechanisms in Indonesia. While the victims’ intentions were purely economic, their experience underscores the risk of underestimating nature’s unpredictability and the critical role of planning in such expeditions.
The survival and safe return of the three men serve as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by traditional forest workers in Indonesia. For both Indonesians and Singaporeans familiar with regional economic struggles, this case sheds light on the deep interconnection between livelihoods, nature, and the need for stronger communication protocols during remote operations.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Antara News (2025)
Keywords: Natuna Missing, Gaharu Wood Search, SAR Natuna, Bukit Bedung Forest, Indonesia News, Lost And Found
