On Friday, a volcanic eruption on the remote Indonesian island featuring Mount Dukono resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to five others. Authorities reported that the hikers were in a restricted area at the time of the eruption.
According to North Halmahera Police Chief Erlichson Pasaribu, a group of about 20 climbers embarked on their ascent of the 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano located in Halmahera, Indonesia, on Thursday. This was despite existing safety restrictions in place.
Pasaribu stated, “The climbers were fully aware that ascending the mountain was prohibited due to its high alert status as a restricted zone, yet they chose to proceed with their plans.”
He further explained that despite warnings both on social media and through physical signs at the location, “many individuals remain determined to climb, motivated by the urge to generate online content.”
In a photograph released by the Badan Geologi, Indonesia’s geological agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mount Dukono can be seen releasing volcanic materials during its eruption on Friday, May 8, 2026, in North Halmahera, Indonesia. (Badan Geologi via AP)
Pasaribu confirmed that among those who lost their lives were one local resident and two Singaporean nationals. The Indonesian victim hailed from Ternate, a city located in the same province as Mount Dukono.
The three victims’ bodies remain on the volcano, with ongoing eruptions and difficult terrain preventing them from being evacuated by rescue teams, Pasaribu said.
The group became stranded when the volcano erupted at 7:41 a.m., sending a column of ash over 6 miles into the sky.
Rescue teams were deployed after receiving an emergency signal from the mountain area.
Joint search and rescue (SAR) teams prepare to evacuate victims affected by the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera, Maluku Province, Indonesia, on May 08, 2026. At least three Singaporeans have been killed, while 17 others are still being searched for. (Basarnas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
As of Friday afternoon, 17 climbers had been safely evacuated, including seven Singaporean nationals and two Indonesians who joined the rescue operation and provided information on the climbing routes of the victims before the eruption, National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said.
Five of those evacuated were reported injured.
Joint search and rescue (SAR) teams prepare to evacuate victims affected by the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera, Maluku Province, Indonesia, on May 08, 2026. At least three Singaporeans have been killed, while 17 others are still being searched for. (Photo by Basarnas/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Basarnas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Pasaribu said police will question those who joined the hikers up the mountain. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Indonesian National Police for additional information.
According to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program, Mount Dukono has been continuously erupting since 1933.
“Friday’s eruption was among the strongest during this period,” said Lana Saria, who heads Indonesia’s Geology Agency at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.
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