Indonesian authorities confirmed the death of an Indonesian female hiker on Saturday after Mount Dukono erupted on the Pacific Island of Hamahera. They also located the position of two missing Singaporeans, although their status remains unknown.
Iwan Ramdani, head of Indonesia’s rescue agency, told Reuters, “We have identified the coordinates of their locations. It’s around the crater rim. This is ​on drone surveillance and is consistent with witness accounts.”
Iwan also confirmed that the Indonesian hiker’s body was recovered and handed over to her family.
According to the spokesperson of the disaster mitgation agency Abdul Muhari, the Singaporeans appeared to be 20-30 metres from the rim of the main crater.
Mount Dukono in the North Maluku province started erupting on Friday, expelling ashes at the height of 10 km.
Evacuations have been disrupted by the extreme terrain and constant eruptions. Rescuers have temporarily suspended search operations due to continuous eruptions on Saturday evening. Iwan informed that the efforts would continue on Sunday. At least 100 rescuers, military and police officials, and two thermal drones were deployed early Saturday.
Friday’s rescue operations saw the evacuation of 17 people, consisting of seven Singaporeans and 10 Indonesians.
Police chief Erlichson Pasaribu said the hikers told police the three missing people, including the Singaporeans, were dead. Pasaribu also declared a probe on the tour company hired by the hikers, over charges of negligence and endangerment of others’ lives. Six people were questioned but not arrested. Further investigations will be conducted on why the company took the hikers to climb the volcano, despite the activity being banned.
Pasaribo said hiking to Mount Dukono’s peak was forbidden since 2024 due to eruptions. The local government also banned climbing activities in April this year due to increasing eruptions.
The volcanology agency is enforcing the third-highest alert level for the volcano and has banned any activities within 4 km of the crater.
There are currently no reports of flight disruptions due to the eruption.
