At least three hikers have been killed following a powerful eruption of Mount Dukono on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera, authorities confirmed on Friday. The victims, two Singaporean nationals and one Indonesian, died at the scene after the volcano erupted explosively on Thursday morning.
Climbers Defied Safety Restrictions
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu stated that approximately 20 climbers set out to ascend the 1,355-metre (4,445-foot) volcano on Thursday, knowingly violating official safety restrictions. The area around the crater has been off-limits due to its high alert status, but the group proceeded regardless.
“They were aware that climbing was prohibited as the mountain is the restricted zone due to its high alert status, but insisted on going ahead,” Pasaribu said during a television interview.
Eruption Details
The eruption occurred at 7:41 a.m. local time, propelling a thick column of ash approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) above the summit. Seismographs recorded the eruption for more than 16 minutes, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency. The volcano has been erupting almost continuously since 1933 and is one of the country’s most active.
Rescue teams were dispatched after receiving an emergency signal from the mountain area. As of Friday afternoon, 14 climbers, including seven foreign nationals, had been safely evacuated. Among them, five were reported injured. Search efforts continue for other climbers believed to be attempting to descend.
Rescue Operations Hampered
The bodies of the deceased have not yet been recovered due to ongoing eruptions and hazardous conditions preventing rescue teams from reaching the location. Authorities have long banned any activities within a 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) radius of Dukono’s crater, citing risks from volcanic bombs, ashfall, and toxic gases. Officials believe the hikers were inside this restricted zone at the time of the eruption.
Despite warnings on social media and signage at the site, “many people remain determined to climb, driven by the desire to create online content,” Pasaribu added.
Ongoing Volcanic Activity
Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity, and is home to more than 120 active volcanoes. Mount Dukono remains at the second highest alert level, with volcanic activity described as high. Since late March, there has been an increase in explosive magmatic eruptions, with nearly 200 eruptions recorded since March 30 and an average of about 95 eruptions per day.
“Friday’s eruption was among the strongest during this period,” said Lana Saria, head of Indonesia's Geology Agency at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. She noted that ash clouds, ranging from white to gray and black, were being blown northward, potentially affecting nearby settlements including the town of Tobelo. This could raise health risks and disrupt transportation and daily life.
Authorities also warned of possible secondary hazards, such as volcanic mudflows, particularly during heavy rain, which could travel along rivers flowing from the volcano’s slopes.
Officials urged residents, tourists, and climbers to remain calm, follow official guidance, and avoid restricted areas as monitoring of Mount Dukono continues.
