Full Breakdown
Two Singaporean Hikers Killed in Mount Dukono Eruption, Bodies Recovered
5/11/2026, 4:41:59 AM
Eruption and Immediate Casualties
Mount Dukono erupted on the morning of 8 May 2026, sending ash up to 10 km (six miles) over Halmahera. The blast struck about 20 hikers, killing three: two Singaporean nationals and an Indonesian woman, Enjel. The Singaporeans were later found near crater rim under rock debris and taken to a hospital.
Background and Safety Restrictions
Dukono lies in Indonesia’s Ring of Fire. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) banned activity within a 4-km radius and imposed climbing ban on 17 April 2026. At eruption the volcano was listed as third-highest alert level, though some reports cite a second-highest level.
Search and Rescue Operations
Indonesia’s Basarnas, military, police and volunteers deployed 150 personnel and two thermal-drone units. Search teams focused on a 100-150 m band around crater rim, 1.25 km from hikers’ last known location. Rain, ash and eruptions repeatedly halted work, but teams resumed until bodies were recovered.
Official Statements & Responses
Iwan Ramdani said Singaporeans were near rim; teams would advance safely; Erlichson Pasaribu announced an investigation into guides and operator for alleged negligence. Singapore’s MFA said its embassy was coordinating with authorities to rescue and repatriate Singaporeans. Volcanology agency reiterated 4-km exclusion zone. Disaster agency warned of mudflows in heavy rain.
Criticism & Opposition
Local officials accused guides of ignoring the climbing ban, noting many hikers sought social-media content. Pasaribu said guides could face criminal charges for leading tourists into the prohibited zone. Critics argue enforcement was insufficient and tour operators failed to convey risks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on Singaporean numbers: cite seven evacuated, others nine in party. Survivors range seven-ten. Alert level is listed as third-highest and second-highest. Reports say Singaporean bodies were found; others say they remain missing. Reported frequency is about 95 per day or over 200 since March 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Evacuation of the bodies is still hampered by eruptions that continue to occur and bad weather," — Iwan Ramdani, head of the local rescue agency
- "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," — Erlichson Pasaribu, North Halmahera police chief
- "The main challenge in this search effort is that we are racing against eruptions," — Iwan Ramdani, head of the local rescue agency
- "Officers from the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta are presently at Mount Dukono, North Halmahera, working with the Indonesian authorities on the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operations for the two missing Singaporeans, and facilitating the return of the seven other Singaporeans in the affected group," — Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs
What Comes Next
Investigations into guide-tour operator relationship will continue, and criminal charges may be filed. Indonesia’s volcanology agency will keep Dukono under heightened monitoring, maintaining the 4-km exclusion zone. Singapore’s MFA will sustain liaison with Indonesian authorities to support remaining families and arrange repatriation if further victims are identified.
