Danger

I want to get this out of the way. I am asked by many people if what I am doing with this Carstensz Expedition is "dangerous." Yes. We will be positioning in small aircraft, trekking through areas known for all manner of venomous creatures and climbing a limestone rock face where any fall is likely your last. That said, I have searched extensively and cannot find a single verified instance of a Carstensz Climber fatality. There have been Porter fatalities, which seem to the greatest degree to have been heart attack or pulmonary edema. These are tragic losses. But thus far no climbers have perished. 
Fewer than 100 people attempt Carstensz Pyramid each year, and less than 500 have summitted since climbing came to this part of the world. So it is possible there just have not been high enough numbers as yet to reach that first sad Climber death. Perhaps more likely still is the explanation that only truly serious Climbers come to Carstensz. A more accessible mountain would draw much larger numbers, a portion of which would be untrained and or unguided.
Take Kilimanjaro, the most climbed mountain in the world. Approximately 22,000 people set out each year for the summit of Kilimanjaro. It attracts many novice climbers enticed by the beauty and exotic nature of the locale. Being a "non-technical" climb, even non-climbers feel empowered to take a shot. As well, the seasons allow for climbing year 'round. So a lot of people, with a lot of ideas, but not a lot of training, stream constantly up the side of Kilimanjaro. Approximately 10 die each year. 
The Guide Outfits I considered for Carstensz all wanted to see my climbing resume as part of the initial application process. In addition, my Guide, Jason Edwards, sent out detailed training instructions which he has followed up on as the weeks passed. Jason added Yoga and rock climb training to the standard core strength, cardio, and endurance training that would be a part of any climb.
All of this does not, of course, make us immune from mistakes or misfortune. We must be focused, patient, and practice all the tenets of sound trekking and climbing. In a similar fashion those who have climbed Carstensz before us have avoided placing that first tic mark on the record. We intend to do the same.