Teen’s drowning forces Indonesia to confront bystander effect: ‘no one helped her’

Elmi Febrianti had been visiting the Apparalang tourist site in Bulukumba regency with her family on Sunday when she ventured to a clifftop known as a popular selfie vantage point and was struck by a large wave that dragged her out to sea.

Apparalang is known for its turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs, whose dramatic rock formations draw visitors seeking striking photographs. The lack of an easily accessible coastline complicated rescue efforts after Elmi was swept in.

Bystander footage, which quickly went viral on Indonesian social media, showed the teenager struggling to swim and signal for help as she was battered by large waves. On several occasions she appeared to fight towards shore before being pulled back by the current and at points she struggled to keep her head above water, before disappearing from view.

The harrowing footage drew widespread condemnation, with many social media users questioning why no one at the scene tried to help the high school student.