Mount Dukono Eruption Kills Three Hikers in Indonesia
Three hikers including two Singaporeans died when Mount Dukono erupted on Halmahera island, despite the area being closed since April due to high volcanic activity.
Three hikers have been killed and five others injured after a violent eruption of Mount Dukono in Indonesia’s North Maluku province. The tragedy occurred on Friday morning, May 8, 2026, when about 20 climbers were ascending the active volcano despite official restrictions and warning signs.
The Eruption
Mount Dukono erupted at 7:41 a.m. local time, spewing an ash column that rose approximately 10 kilometers above the summit. The explosive eruption was recorded on seismographs for more than 16 minutes, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency.
The nearly 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano is located on Halmahera island, a remote part of Indonesia’s Maluku archipelago. It is one of the country’s most active volcanoes, with nearly continuous eruptions since 1933.
Victims and Survivors
Two Singaporean men and one Indonesian woman died at the scene. Five others were injured among the 17 climbers who were successfully evacuated. Seven Singaporean nationals were among those rescued.
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu confirmed that the climbers were aware of the restrictions but proceeded anyway. “They were aware that climbing was prohibited as the mountain is a restricted zone due to its high alert status, but insisted on going ahead,” he said in a television interview.
The bodies had not yet been recovered as of Friday afternoon, with continued eruptions and dangerous conditions preventing rescue teams from reaching the location.
Warnings Ignored
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has long banned activities within a 4-kilometer danger zone radius of Dukono’s crater. The area had been officially closed since April 17, 2026, due to increased volcanic activity.
Despite warning signs at the site and announcements on social media, many climbers continue to attempt the ascent. Authorities believe the hikers were driven by the desire to create online content.
“Many people remain determined to climb, driven by the desire to create online content,” Pasaribu said.
Ongoing Risk
Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity, home to more than 120 active volcanoes. Mount Dukono remains at the second-highest alert level.
Authorities have warned of possible secondary hazards, including volcanic mudflows, especially during heavy rain. Ashfall could affect nearby settlements, including the town of Tobelo, raising health risks and disrupting transportation and daily life.
The search and rescue operation was halted late Friday due to darkness and resumed early Saturday. The volcano has shown an increase in explosive magmatic eruptions since late March, with an average of about 95 eruptions per day.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of ignoring official warnings in volcanic areas, especially in one of the world’s most seismically active regions.