Mount Dukono Eruption: Hikers Dead and Singaporeans Missing in Indonesia

Three hikers, including two Singaporeans, died following the eruption of the Mount Dukono volcano in North Maluku, Indonesia, on May 8, 2026.

North Halmahera Police Chief Erlichson Pasaribu confirmed the fatalities, stating that the third victim was a resident of Ternate, a city in North Maluku.

According to Mr. Pasaribu, 20 hikers were on the mountain when the eruption occurred. This group included nine foreigners. As of 2:00 PM local time on May 8, 2026, seven of the foreign hikers had safely descended from the mountain.

Iwan Ramdani, the head of the local rescue agency, clarified that nine of the hikers were Singaporean and the remainder were Indonesians. He stated that the agency has deployed dozens of personnel, including police, to search for the hikers trapped by the eruption.

Recovery efforts for the deceased have been delayed. Mr. Pasaribu noted that the bodies of the three victims have not yet been retrieved because eruptions are still ongoing.

Data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) indicates that the volcano first began erupting at 7:41 AM on May 8, 2026.

The disaster occurred despite an existing warning system. Mount Dukono had been placed on a Level 2 alert status, indicating heightened volcanic activity, since March 29. Mr. Pasaribu stated that hikers had been warned to stay away from the mountain starting on that date, although some individuals continued to ascend despite the identified risks.

The details were reported by The Straits Times, citing local police and rescue officials in Indonesia.