Full Breakdown
Mount Dukono Eruption Claims Two Singaporean Hikers and Triggers a Multi-Nation Investigation
5/13/2026, 8:25:59 AM
Eruption and Immediate Impact
On 8 May 2026 at 07:41 local time, Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island, North Maluku, erupted, sending an ash plume up to 10 km (?6 mi). The eruption produced falling rocks and ash that struck a party of 20 hikers near the crater rim. Three people died: Singaporean nationals Heng Wen Qiang Timothy (30) and Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid (27), and an Indonesian woman identified as Angel Krishela Pradita (28).
Prior Safety Measures and Alert Status
Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation had placed Dukono on the third-highest alert level (Level 2) and, since 17 April 2026, prohibited all activities within a 4 km radius of the crater. A climbing ban was reinforced on 8 May 2026, and local authorities later ordered a permanent closure of all entry points.
Hikers, Guide, and Expedition Details
The expedition comprised 20 hikers—nine Singaporeans and eleven Indonesians according to most reports. The group was organized by Singaporean Heng Timothy, who ran the travel outfit The Outside, and was led on the mountain by Indonesian guide Reza Selang. Selang said he was unaware of the ban and that his drone showed no visible activity before the eruption.
Chronology of Events
- 7 May 2026: Hikers begin ascent.
- 8 May 2026, 07:41 : Dukono erupts; ash and rocks fall on the trail.
- 9 May 2026: Body of Angel Krishela Pradita recovered near the crater edge.
- 10 May 2026: Bodies of Timothy and Shahin found together under rock debris about 50 m from the summit; autopsies commence.
Rescue Operation and Recovery
Approximately 150 search-and-rescue personnel, supported by two thermal drones, combed a 350-500 ft zone around the crater despite heavy rain, unstable ash, and intermittent eruptions. The bodies were located under large boulders and extracted using manual digging and a black body bag before being taken to Tobelo Regional Hospital.
Official Statements from Authorities
Indonesia’s rescue chief Iwan Ramdani reported that the operation was “repeatedly disrupted by Mount Dukono’s continued volcanic activity” and praised the teams’ “dedication and professionalism.” Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was working with Indonesian officials to identify the bodies and expressed “deep appreciation” for the rescue effort. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan offered condolences and highlighted the “full and speedy recovery” of the surviving hikers. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s spokesperson Abdul Muhari stated the victims were found “not far from where the first victim was found on Saturday.”
Criticism, Investigation, and Potential Negligence
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu said the hikers “were aware that climbing was prohibited… but insisted on going ahead.” Authorities have opened investigations into possible negligence by tourism operators and guides, with the police indicating that local guides may face legal action.
Witness Accounts from the Scene
Guide Reza Selang described hearing “two eruptions” within seconds and seeing a 2-m rock strike the two Singaporeans, who “hugged each other” before being crushed. Resident Risman Umar observed that “both victims were buried under the debris. Two large boulders were pinning and crushing their bodies.”
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of Singaporean participants (nine versus seven survivors) and on the Indonesian woman’s name (Enjel, Angel Krishela Pradita). The count of eruptions varies between “at least four” and “four additional eruptions” recorded by Sunday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “Evacuation of the bodies is still hampered by eruptions that continue to occur and bad weather,” — Iwan Ramdani, Rescue Agency Head
- “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, Police Chief
- “Two large boulders were pinning and crushing their bodies.” — Risman Umar, Resident
- “Our thoughts are also with those who survived, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery,” — Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore Foreign Minister
Future Actions and Ongoing Restrictions
The North Halmahera government has ordered a permanent closure of all Dukono entry points and barred climbing permits. Investigations into guide conduct and tourism-operator responsibility continue, while both Indonesian and Singaporean authorities coordinate the repatriation of the deceased.
