TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that a joint search and rescue (SAR) team is continuing its search for three climbers missing following the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, stated in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday that two of the missing climbers are foreign nationals, while the third is an Indonesian citizen.
"On the second day of this operation, the team focused their search on the area suspected to be the victims' location. The two foreign nationals were detected 20 to 30 meters from the rim of the main crater," he said as reported by Antara.
The BNPB reported that although the two foreign nationals have been located, the evacuation process has not yet been carried out due to the extreme terrain and Mount Dukono's persistently high volcanic activity.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian climber is still being tracked and has not yet been identified.
Abdul emphasized that all field personnel must prioritize safety and adhere to recommendations from the Geological Agency’s Dukono Volcano Observation Post (PGA), given the mountain's current Level II (Waspada) alert status.
According to information from the PGA, seismic activity remains dominated by large-amplitude eruptions.
From early Saturday, May 9, until 11:00 a.m. Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT), several eruptions were recorded, with ash columns reaching 3,000 meters above the summit.
Illegal Ascent Despite Route Closure
The BNPB expressed regret over the hiking activity, noting that the North Halmahera Regency Government had completely closed the Mount Dukono climbing route as of April 17, 2026. The public and tourists are strictly prohibited from entering the disaster-prone area within a four-kilometer radius of the crater.
To prevent similar incidents, the BNPB reminded the public to always comply with Geological Agency recommendations regarding activity restrictions on other active volcanoes under Alert or Warning status, such as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in NTT, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, and Mount Semeru in East Java.
"We ask hiking service operators and the public to actively disseminate information regarding this route closure. Any violation of these provisions will be subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations to ensure the safety of life," said Abdul Muhari.
Read: Indonesia Volcano Eruption Kills 3 Hikers, Several Missing
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