Two Singaporean hikers who went missing after the violent eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Dukono have been confirmed dead after rescue teams located their bodies near the crater rim on Halmahera Island, authorities said Sunday, May 10.
The victims were discovered close to the same dangerous zone where an Indonesian hiker had earlier been found dead after the volcano erupted Friday morning, sending ash plumes nearly 10 kilometers into the sky and trapping multiple climbers on the mountain. Rescue crews battled unstable terrain, heavy ashfall, rain and continuing eruptions during the recovery operation.
According to Indonesian rescue officials, the two Singaporeans were among a group of 20 hikers who had climbed Mount Dukono despite an active exclusion zone being in place around the crater. Seventeen hikers survived and were evacuated with minor injuries. Reuters confirmed the victims were found near the crater rim after an intensive drone-assisted search operation involving more than 100 rescuers.
Mount Dukono Singaporeans tragedy shocks region
The deadly incident has drawn international attention as questions emerge over why hikers were permitted near one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes despite official warnings. Indonesian authorities reportedly began investigating the tour arrangements shortly after the eruption.
Indonesia’s volcanology agency had already prohibited activities within a 4-kilometer radius of Mount Dukono’s crater because of escalating volcanic activity. Reports indicate the mountain had been under heightened alert since April after a sharp increase in eruptions. Reuters reported that authorities questioned several individuals connected to the climbing expedition.
The volcano erupted at approximately 7:41 a.m. local time Friday, producing towering ash columns and dangerous volcanic debris that quickly engulfed the upper slopes. Survivors later described scenes of panic as hikers attempted to descend through thick ash and falling rocks.
Officials said the bodies of the two Singaporeans were recovered roughly 50 meters from the crater zone, highlighting just how close the group had ventured to the active vent. The Associated Press reported that the search has now officially concluded after all missing climbers were accounted for.
Warnings ignored before fatal eruption
Authorities and local guides have emphasized that Mount Dukono has remained highly active for years, with near-constant eruptive activity recorded since 1933. The volcano is considered one of Indonesia’s most unpredictable peaks.
Prior to the disaster, Indonesian officials repeatedly warned tourists and climbers to avoid the crater area because of the risk of sudden explosive eruptions. The Jakarta Post detailed how nine Singaporeans were among the hiking group caught on the mountain during the eruption.
Earlier coverage also showed the danger had been escalating for days before the fatal incident. The Guardian previously reported that authorities considered the hikers to have entered a no-go zone around the volcano before the eruption occurred.
Meanwhile, CBS News noted that guides and porters connected to the expedition could face investigation for bringing tourists into the restricted area.
Indonesia’s deadly volcanic history
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes, many of which attract adventure tourists despite significant hazards.
Mount Dukono, located in North Maluku province, is among the nation’s most persistently active volcanoes. Volcanic ash from previous eruptions has repeatedly disrupted aviation and forced evacuations in nearby communities over the years.
The latest tragedy has reignited debate over tourism safety and enforcement around restricted volcanic zones, especially as social media-driven adventure travel continues growing across Southeast Asia.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has been working closely with Indonesian authorities to assist affected citizens and support the victims’ families following the disaster.
