Full Breakdown
Mount Dukono Eruption Traps Hikers on Halmahera Island
5/8/2026, 8:02:59 AM
Event Overview
At 07:41 local time (08:41 SGT) on 8 May 2026, Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island erupted, sending ash 10 km skyward. The area had been closed since 17 April. Twenty hikers—nine Singaporean, eleven Indonesian—were on the mountain. Three deaths (two foreigners, one local) are confirmed; ten are missing and seven unaccounted for.
Key Figures and Agencies
Rescue chief Iwan Ramdani leads the operation. Police chief Erlichson Pasaribu announced the fatalities. Geology Agency head Lana Saria issued the alert and health warnings. Local guide Lexi Djangu was on site at the eruption.
Timeline of the Day
- 07:41 local – eruption, ash 10 km.
- 07:45 – guide Lexi Djangu records video, notes tremors.
- 08:15 – Iwan Ramdani deploys rescue teams.
- 09:30 – police chief Erlichson Pasaribu confirms three deaths.
Official Statements & Responses
Lana Saria said the eruption produced a booming sound, warned ash could affect health and transport, and kept the volcano at a third-level alert. Iwan Ramdani reported dozens of rescue staff, including police, were deployed. Erlichson Pasaribu confirmed three fatalities, two foreigners and one resident of Ternate.
Criticism and Concerns
Hikers were on the summit despite the 4-km exclusion zone and the 17 April closure, prompting criticism of enforcement and of allowing tourists near an active crater.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Guide Lexi Djangu filmed the eruption, noting deep tremors before the blast and hoping other tourists were safe. He later urged his group to stay put, warning that descending during an active eruption can be more hazardous than staying at higher ground.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police chief Pasaribu identified two foreign victims, while other outlets reported only one Singaporean death pending verification. Initial reports listed 20 hikers missing; later updates noted ten missing after three deaths, leaving seven unaccounted for. No official injury data has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are three dead, two foreigners and one resident of Ternate” — Erlichson Pasaribu, Police Chief, North Halmahera Province
- “When we were at the summit, there was no eruption, but there were deep tremors, so I decided to descend with my guests,” — Lexi Djangu, Local Guide
- “Lana Saria, head of the government Geology Agency, said the early-morning eruption was accompanied by a "booming sound".” — Lana Saria, Head, Geology Agency
- “Our team is on its way. It is not yet confirmed if there are injured people. Based on reports, there are about 20 people being searched for,” — Iwan Ramdani, Head, Local Rescue Agency
Outlook
Rescue teams continue searching for missing hikers while monitoring rain that could trigger mudflows. Authorities warn ash may affect air quality and transport, and the alert stays at third level pending further assessment.
