Full Breakdown
Deadly Eruption on Mount Dukono Claims Three Hikers
5/12/2026, 4:09:40 AM
The Fatal Eruption
On 8 May 2026 at 07:41 a.m. local time, Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island erupted explosively, sending an ash plume up to 10 km (6 mi) into the sky. Three hikers—Singaporean nationals Timothy Heng Wen Qiang (30) and Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid (27), and Indonesian hiker Angel Krishela Pradita—were killed near the crater rim. Seventeen other climbers were evacuated; ten suffered minor burns.
Background: Volcanic Activity and Restrictions
Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s >120 active volcanoes, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (PV PVMBG) listed it at alert level 2 (increased activity, restricted zones). Since December 2024, a 4-km danger zone around the crater has been enforced, and climbing permits were suspended in April 2024 after a series of eruptions.
Timeline of the Incident
- 8 May 2026, 07:41 a.m. – Eruption begins; ash column reaches 10 km.
- 8 May, 07:40 a.m. – Guide Reza Selang flies a drone; minutes later the volcano erupts.
- 9 May – Search teams locate the victims’ coordinates; rescue operations pause due to ongoing eruptions.
- 10 May – Bodies of the three hikers are recovered from beneath a large rock near the crater rim; evacuation of the remains is hampered by rain and ash.
- 11 May onward – Authorities announce a permanent climbing ban and launch investigations into tour operators and guides.
Key Participants
- Reza Selang – Local guide who led the expedition and provided drone footage.
- Iwan Ramdani – Head of the North Halmahera search-and-rescue office.
- Erlichson Pasaribu – North Halmahera police chief.
- Abdul Muhari – Spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
- Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati – Head of PV PVMBG.
Data & Statistics
- Hikers involved: 20 (?9 Singaporeans, 11 Indonesians).
- Casualties: 3 dead, 5 injured, 12 uninjured survivors.
- Rescue assets: ?150 personnel, 2 thermal drones, 100 military/police members.
- Eruption intensity: >=4 explosive events recorded on 9 May; ash column 10 km high.
On-the-Ground Account
Reza Selang described a “two-minute” window between a brief smoke release and a violent eruption that hurled a 2-m-wide rock down the slope, crushing Timothy and Shahin. He and other guides remained at the site to assist rescuers, navigating “thick black volcanic ash” and large rocks to retrieve the bodies.
Official Statements & Responses
Indonesian authorities urged compliance with the 4-km exclusion zone and emphasized that the volcano remains at the third-highest alert level. The National Disaster Management Agency called for tourists and operators to respect safety regulations. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed repatriation plans for surviving Singaporeans and expressed condolences. Police announced a probe into “possible negligence by tourism operators or individuals” and indicated that guides could face legal action.
Criticism & Opposition
Local officials and experts highlighted “possible negligence” by the tour company that organized the climb despite the ban. Reza Selang claimed he was unaware of the prohibition, noting that level-2 volcanoes elsewhere (e.g., Rinjani) still permit hiking. Critics also warned that social-media-driven content creation encourages risky climbs in restricted zones.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets reported that the bodies remained on the mountain, while others confirmed their recovery on 10 May. Injury counts vary between 5 and 10 reported minor burns. The exact number of hikers who ignored the ban (nine vs twenty) is inconsistently cited across sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The bodies were buried under deep, densely packed volcanic material that is difficult to dig through,” — Abdul Muhari, BNPB spokesperson
- “There are no words. Until now I still feel torn apart, I still can't believe it... right now I am deeply devastated,” — Reza Selang, guide
- “Timothy turned back, and in only a split second he immediately hugged Shahin," recalled Reza.” — Reza Selang
- “Whatever legal consequences happen, I have to accept them, whether I'm ready or not. I just hope it ends quickly,” — Reza Selang
- “Evacuation of the bodies is still hampered by eruptions that continue to occur and bad weather,” — Iwan Ramdani, rescue chief
- “The guides are currently under investigation for alleged negligence resulting in another person's death,” — Erlichson Pasaribu, police chief
What’s Next
The North Halmahera government has imposed a permanent ban on climbing Mount Dukono. Police and the National Search and Rescue Agency continue to gather evidence, with several tour-operator personnel already questioned. Legal proceedings are anticipated, and PV PVMBG will maintain the current alert level while monitoring ash dispersion and secondary hazards such as mudflows.
