Searching for Missing People at Kaco Lake

Kaco Lake is a lake located in Kerinci Regency, Jambi. Precisely in Lempur Village, Gunung Raya District. Kaco Lake can emit bright light at night, especially during the full moon. It is said that, according to local beliefs, the light emitted from the bottom of Kaco Lake is the light of diamonds stored at the bottom of the water.

The blue water of Kaco Lake is like the light of a diamond

Initially we heard bad news happening at Kaco Lake. The hiker disappeared while traveling at Kaco Lake. "This is a Search and Rescue," in my heart. Because my background is as a student outdoor activity on campus, this is my opportunity to gain experience in carrying out SAR (Search and Rescue) in other people's cities. We finally went there together. The journey starts from the Mak Jus basecamp at the foot of Mount Kerinci using public transportation such as public transportation to Sungai Penuh City. 

Arriving at the Sungai Penuh terminal, we prayed Friday prayers first because midday time had arrived. Once finished, we looked for a public bus to take us to Lempur Village, the entrance to Kaco Lake. Unfortunately, the last bus left at 11.00 WIB and we missed it. Confused feeling in the head. Finally we were offered to take a motorbike taxi there. After the bargaining process and resulting in a deal decision at a cost of IDR 75,000, we were taken to the entrance to Kaco Lake.

The journey to Kaco Lake is very far. It took us approximately 90 minutes to travel by motorbike to arrive at the entrance gate to Kaco Lake in Lempur Village. But the views along the way are truly beautiful. We passed through residents' gardens and Kerinci Lake which was very charming and wide.

The extent of Kerinci Lake can be seen during the trip

When we arrived at the forest entrance, there were lots of residents and several personnel looking for missing victims, such as BASARNAS (National Search and Rescue Agency) as well as the Indonesian national army and police. Not long after, we were approached by someone from KPA (Nature Observer Group) Kerinci, "Bro, come and join with us," he invited us to the entrance to Kaco Lake. Fajar and i met friends from various areas there who both wanted to help look for missing victims. We immediately experienced a mystical incident, several residents there experienced possession by other creatures. Because we came in the afternoon, we were told to just rest and start searching for victims the next day.

According to people there, the victim was found missing when he was returning home from Kaco Lako at night. When his friend was behind him, the victim continued to walk in front because there had been a fight between them previously. The victim was declared missing when the victim's friend reported it to the Lake Kaco Post guard. One day after we arrived, the whereabouts of the victim were still unknown.

In the morning, after we had breakfast provided by the residents, we immediately rushed into the forest together with friends from KPA Kerici and local residents. We had to navigate through dense forest and several muddy paths. At several posts, command post tents have been set up for victim searchers who have been staying overnight since yesterday. Residents worked together hand in hand in this incident, some took part in searching for missing victims and there were also those who helped by providing food logistics for those looking for missing victims.

All levels of society helped in the search for missing victims

To no avail, on that day we and several local residents failed to find the victim. Several paths divided by search teams were explored one by one. We had to go into the dense forest, cutting down tree branches blocking the path in order to maximize the search process. Finally we continued the search the next day.

The second day, we explored all the way to Kaco Lake. Indeed, there are many small paths that can make hikers go the wrong way if they are not careful. Only a few people, such as people who have gone there, know the direction of the lake. After approximately 3 hours of walking through the forest, we arrived at Kaco Lake.

It's really beautiful like diamond glass right in front of your eyes. The very clear water can be seen down to the bottom, although it is not very clear. At that time, Kaco Lake was very busy with local residents and visitors too. It didn't take long for me to come back down from Lake Kaco to return to the campsite after taking some pictures.

Capture the moment at Kaco Lake

Until the third day i was there, the missing victim at Kaco Lake had not been found. I said goodbye to my friends who had accommodated me on my trip to Kaco Lake because i had to return to Bogor City.

After i arrived in Bogor City, the missing victim at Kaco Lake had still not been found and until I wrote this story, no good news had been heard from there. I don't know what actually happened. What I know is that we are just a small piece of meat in this universe. Never once do arrogance arise within us, as if we have succeeded in conquering the place where we stand. Natural law applies wherever you are. What is clear is that wherever we are, be careful in your actions and always pray for safety. Thank you, take care of yourself. See you next time!