Indonesia Intensifies Search for Missing Hikers After Mount Dukono Eruption

Indonesian rescue authorities on Saturday resumed a large-scale search operation for three hikers who went missing following the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Maluku province. The operation continued under difficult conditions as volcanic activity persisted around the mountain, complicating efforts to reach the affected area.

Mount Dukono erupted suddenly on Friday, sending a massive column of volcanic ash several kilometres into the sky and forcing emergency evacuations of hikers who were near the crater at the time. Officials said the eruption triggered panic among climbers, many of whom attempted to flee through ash-covered and dangerous terrain.

Search and rescue teams, including military personnel, police officers and disaster response workers, were deployed to locate the missing individuals. Authorities also used thermal drones and specialised equipment to scan areas near the volcano where the hikers were believed to be trapped. According to officials, the missing group included two Singaporean nationals and one Indonesian citizen.

Rescue efforts had briefly been suspended on Friday evening because of continuing eruptions and safety concerns for emergency personnel. Volcanic activity reportedly remained intense on Saturday, with fresh eruptions and thick ash clouds limiting visibility around the mountain. Officials warned that unstable ground conditions and toxic volcanic material were slowing the operation.

At least 17 hikers were successfully evacuated from the area after the eruption. Several survivors reportedly suffered minor injuries and burns while escaping from the volcano. Local authorities said some rescued hikers described scenes of confusion and heavy ashfall during the disaster.

The incident has raised concerns over safety measures around Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Authorities revealed that climbing near the crater had already been restricted because of increased volcanic activity and the volcano’s elevated alert level. Officials are now investigating reports that a tour operator may have organised the hike despite warnings from disaster management agencies.

Indonesia’s volcanology department has maintained Mount Dukono at a high alert status and urged residents and tourists to avoid entering a restricted zone around the crater. Emergency officials also advised nearby communities to remain cautious because volcanic ash could spread to surrounding areas depending on wind conditions. Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic eruptions and earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense tectonic and volcanic activity.