Indonesia's Mount Dukono Erupts, Stranding 20 Hikers

Jakarta. Rescue operations have been intensified after a powerful volcanic eruption of Indonesia's Mount Dukono on Friday morning. It is reported that 20 hikers were stranded in this active volcano located in the Maluku Islands.

According to Indonesia's volcanic survey agency, the eruption, which occurred at 7:41 AM local time, spewed a massive plume of ash up to a height of approximately 10 kilometers (33,000 feet) into the sky. The agency has currently placed the volcano at the second level of a three-tiered warning system, indicating that high alert is necessary.

It is reported that this volcano has erupted nearly 200 times since the end of March 2025. Since December 2024, tourists and climbers have been advised not to go within a 4-kilometer radius around the main crater.

According to local police chief Erlikson Pasaribu, the deaths of two foreign nationals and one local resident have been confirmed. It has been informed that two of the deceased were citizens of Singapore, while the local person was a resident of Ternate city. The National Disaster Management Agency has stated that at least five people have been injured.

Rescue and search agencies have released pictures of rescuers carrying stretchers and equipment towards the mountain. According to local authorities, an emergency SOS signal was also received from the area on Friday. 

According to news agencies Reuters and AFP, 9 out of the 20 hikers in the volcanic area were Singaporean citizens. The rescue team is reportedly still trying to reach the affected area.