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Three hikers die after Mount Dukono eruption
Two Singaporeans and one Indonesian resident were killed when the volcano on North Maluku island erupted Friday morning, sending a 10km ash plume into the sky.
Eruption details
Mount Dukono erupted at 07:41 local time (22:41 GMT Thursday), spewing ash and volcanic debris. The blast occurred while a group of 20 hikers-comprising Singaporeans and Indonesians-were on the mountain despite active warnings.
Rescue teams located and evacuated the surviving members of the group, who were taken to hospitals for assessment. Two porters remained on the mountain to assist in locating the victims' bodies.
Victims and rescue efforts
The deceased include two Singaporean men, aged 30 and 27, and a local woman from Ternate. Their bodies remain on the mountain due to hazardous conditions, including ongoing eruptions, rugged terrain, and powerful volcanic blasts.
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu stated that retrieval efforts were suspended Friday evening and would resume Saturday morning. Aldy Salabia, a local resident aiding rescuers, reported continuous volcanic activity from a shelter near the crater.
Ignored warnings and risks
Indonesian authorities had issued repeated warnings against climbing Mount Dukono, citing its frequent eruptions-over 200 since March 2025. The volcano is currently at alert level two, with a recommended 4km exclusion zone around the crater.
Despite banners at trailheads and social media advisories, some hikers disregarded the restrictions. Indonesia's search and rescue agency, Barsanas, suggested possible negligence by tourism operators or individuals who facilitated the climb.
"Dukono is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. Any violation of the danger zone carries fatal risks," said Dr. Daryono of the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts.
BBC
Expert warnings
Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), emphasized that the exclusion zone is a recommendation to local governments, not a legally enforced ban.
Dr. Daryono warned that social media content-showing successful ascents-creates a misleading perception of safety. "The public only sees those who return safely, not the invisible threats that could emerge at any time," he said.
Eyewitness accounts
A guide on the mountain with two clients described the eruption as "major" and "very strong," noting high pressure had built up over days. He observed other hikers near the crater, some filming with drones, before descending to safety.
Rescuers believe additional hikers may have been on the mountain during the eruption, though their status remains unconfirmed.
