Indonesia volcano eruption kills three hikers on Mount Dukono

Three hikers, including two Singaporeans, have died after Indonesia’s Mount Dukono erupted on 8 May, trapping a group of foreign and domestic tourists on the volcano despite an active climbing ban. Indonesian rescue teams evacuated 17 people from the mountain, while search operations have found three others deceased, who were initially reported missing.

Mount Dukono, on Halmahera Island in North Maluku province, erupted at 7:41am local time, sending an ash column around 10km into the air. Authorities said the volcano remained at Indonesia’s second-highest alert level and had already been closed to visitors since mid-April following increased volcanic activity.

The hiking party reportedly included nine Singaporean tourists and 11 Indonesians. Local police said the group had entered a prohibited zone near the crater, despite warning signs and repeated advisories from Indonesia’s volcanology agency to stay at least 4km away from the summit.

Several survivors were treated in hospital for injuries linked to ash exposure and difficult evacuation conditions. Rescue operations were complicated by ongoing eruptions and hazardous terrain, with officials delaying body recovery efforts until activity subsides.

One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Dukono has been erupting almost continuously since 1933.

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