Indonesia authorities have confirmed that three hikers, including two Singaporeans, were found dead after an eruption on Mount Dukono in North Maluku province. Rescue teams recovered the bodies after a difficult search operation that was disrupted by volcanic activity, thick ash clouds, and heavy rain.
The hikers had gone missing during a trek near the volcano’s crater earlier this week. Officials said dangerous conditions and continuing eruptions slowed rescue efforts, forcing teams to temporarily halt operations several times before the victims were located. Seventeen other hikers who were in the area at the time were successfully evacuated and survived the incident.
Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to shifting tectonic plates. Authorities regularly warn visitors about the dangers of hiking near active craters, especially during periods of increased volcanic activity. Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any other country, and eruptions frequently disrupt travel and nearby communities.
