Three Hikers Killed After Indonesia’s Mount Dukono Erupts Despite Climbing Ban

Three hikers have died after Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcano erupted during an expedition on the remote island of Halmahera, with authorities confirming that the group had ignored an official climbing ban imposed due to heightened volcanic activity.

The eruption occurred on Friday morning, sending a massive column of ash about 10 kilometres into the sky and triggering panic among a group of 20 hikers near the crater area. Indonesian rescue officials said the victims were part of a mixed group of local and foreign climbers who had entered the mountain despite repeated warnings from authorities.

According to local police, nine of the hikers were foreigners, while the remaining members of the expedition were Indonesians. Rescue teams managed to evacuate 15 survivors from the volcano, while two porters remained on the mountain assisting authorities in recovering the bodies of the victims.

Officials said the climbers bypassed restrictions that had been in place for nearly two weeks following increased volcanic activity around Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Authorities had reportedly issued warnings through social media alerts and signs posted along access routes to discourage tourists and adventure seekers from approaching the crater.

North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu said the hikers are believed to have entered the restricted area to get closer views of the active crater despite the danger. Rescue efforts were complicated by continuing eruptions, difficult terrain and thick volcanic ash that reduced visibility and threatened the safety of emergency personnel.

Mount Dukono, located in North Maluku province, has experienced near-continuous volcanic activity for decades and is known for frequent ash eruptions. While nearby communities were reportedly not in immediate danger because villages are located relatively far from the crater, officials warned that conditions around the summit remained extremely hazardous.

The tragedy has reignited concerns about volcanic tourism in Indonesia, a country situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where seismic and volcanic activity are common. Despite regular warnings from authorities, active volcanoes continue to attract thrill-seeking hikers hoping to witness eruptions up close.

Indonesia is home to more than 120 active volcanoes, making it one of the world’s most volcanically active countries. Fatal accidents involving tourists and climbers have occurred repeatedly in recent years as social media-driven adventure tourism grows in popularity.

Authorities are continuing recovery operations while monitoring volcanic activity around Mount Dukono. Officials have urged the public to obey safety restrictions and avoid entering exclusion zones surrounding active volcanoes.