NORTH MALUKU, Indonesia (May 9, 2026) — A violent eruption of Mount Dukono on Friday morning killed at least three hikers and trapped about 20 others on the slopes of one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, authorities said.
The blast at 7:41 a.m. local time shot an ash column 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) high, blanketing North Maluku province in darkness and ash. It caught hikers inside a 4-kilometer exclusion zone, despite a climbing ban in place since April 17.
Key Developments:
• Casualties and Rescue: Police confirmed two Singaporean tourists and one Indonesian hiker died. Over 100 rescuers evacuated 17 survivors; five suffered ash inhalation and evacuation-related injuries.
• Ongoing Eruptions: Intense tremors persist as of Saturday, May 9, delaying body recovery amid poor visibility.
• Ban Defied: The group ignored the ban due to rising activity, per police and witnesses.
• Volcano History: Dukono has erupted nearly continuously since 1933, with almost 200 events since March 2026 in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Authorities have maintained a Level II (Alert) status—the second-highest level—and advise residents and tourists to wear masks and avoid all activity within the 4-kilometer danger zone.
