Indonesia’s Dukono Volcano Erupts, 3 Hikers Reported Died
Mount Dukono is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and has been erupting almost continuously since 1933. The authorities have been maintaining a high alert level for several months, owing to increased activity since late March, when hundreds of minor eruptions began to be detected. Photo: Reuters.
May 8, 2026 Hour: 9:14 pm
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Three hikers tragically died on Indonesia’s Halmahera island this Friday, following a powerful volcanic eruption that sent a massive ash cloud into the sky.
The Dukono volcano, one of the most active in Indonesia, erupted again on Halmahera island and surprised a group of hikers who were in the area despite restrictions.
The incident on Mount Dukono has prompted a challenging rescue operation for the remaining individuals amidst ongoing volcanic activity and treacherous terrain.
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Among the confirmed fatalities are two Singaporean nationals and one resident from the nearby island of Ternate, highlighting the international reach of this disaster and the inherent dangers of ignoring safety warnings in volcanically active regions.
The Head of Police for North Halmahera Province, Erlichson Pasaribu, confirmed the deaths, adding that the bodies of the deceased remain on the mountain.
A total of 20 hikers were reported to be on the slopes of Mount Dukono when the eruption occurred. Of this group, nine were identified as being from Singapore, with the remaining individuals being Indonesian nationals.
Authorities successfully managed to bring 15 people down to safety; however, two individuals remain unaccounted for, intensifying the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The police chief specified that due to “ongoing eruptions, the situation is still considered unsafe to carry out an evacuation.” This precarious environment has forced rescue teams to patiently await the opportune moment to commence a full recovery operation for the victims still on the mountain.
The rugged terrain, accessible only by specialized vehicles up to a certain point on the slope, further complicates matters, requiring any victims to be transported by stretcher for the remainder of the journey. The persistent rumbling from the eruption continues to impede and delay the crucial evacuation process, placing both rescuers and those awaiting recovery in a perilous situation.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the group’s guide and an assistant have been taken to the police station for questioning and may face criminal charges. This potential legal action stems from allegations that they led the hikers into a prohibited zone. Access to the area around Mount Dukono had been explicitly forbidden last month, following observations by scientists of a significant increase in volcanic activity.
Erlichson Pasaribu confirmed that the hikers disregarded prominent warning signs strategically placed at the entrance to the hiking trail, underscoring a critical lapse in safety protocol.
The Director of the Government’s Geological Agency, Lana Saria, provided further details on the eruption, stating that the early morning blast was accompanied by a thundering noise and unleashed a thick column of smoke that ascended approximately 10 kilometers from Mount Dukono’s summit. This massive plume of ash and smoke poses a potential threat to the surrounding population, raising concerns about air quality and possible disruptions to local communities.
Indonesia and the Volcano Risk
Indonesia lies on the so-called “Ring of Fire in the Pacific” one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions on the planet. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes and frequently experiences earthquakes and eruptions that sometimes cause significant human and material damage.
In recent decades, several eruptions have left thousands evacuated and numerous victims. Recent antecedents include the eruptions of the Semeru volcano and the Anak Krakatoa, as well as other events that forced entire populations to evacuate and affected air transport in different regions of the archipelago.
Dukono Volcano, located on the island of Halmahera, is part of an extensive volcanic chain associated with tectonic plate movement in Southeast Asia. Its activity is monitored permanently by the scientific authorities of the country due to its unpredictable behavior and proximity to communities and transit routes.
As the search for missing hikers continues, the Indonesian Government reiterated warnings to avoid entering restricted areas near the volcano. In addition, the population was asked to remain alert to possible new ash emissions and possible volcanic rains in the areas near the Dukono.
Author: Laura V. Mor
Source: Agencies
