Three hikers, including two Singaporean nationals, were killed after Indonesia’s Mount Dukono erupted while a group of climbers was on its slopes, authorities confirmed.
The eruption occurred on Halmahera Island, sending a massive ash plume nearly 10 kilometers into the sky. Although nearby communities were not considered under immediate threat, the eruption turned deadly for hikers who had reportedly entered a restricted area around the volcano.
According to Indonesian police, a total of 20 hikers were on the mountain at the time of the eruption. The group included nine Singaporeans, while the remaining climbers were Indonesian nationals.
North Halmahera Police Chief Erlichson Pasaribu said 15 hikers managed to descend safely following the eruption, though some sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities stated that the bodies of the three deceased hikers remain on the mountain, as ongoing volcanic activity has made rescue and evacuation operations too dangerous to proceed immediately. Search teams are reportedly waiting for safer conditions before attempting recovery efforts.
Police also confirmed that the group’s guide and a porter have been taken in for questioning and could face criminal charges for leading hikers into an officially prohibited zone.
Indonesia’s volcanology authorities had issued repeated warnings since December, advising the public not to approach within four kilometers of Mount Dukono’s Malupang Warirang crater due to increased seismic activity.
Officials said warning signs had been placed near the trail entrance and public advisories had been circulated, including on social media. However, authorities believe the hikers ignored the restrictions.
Police noted that local residents generally avoid climbing the volcano due to safety concerns, adding that many recent visitors have been foreign tourists seeking social media content and adventure experiences.
