Volcano erupts mid-hike: What happened on Mount Dukono, Indonesia?

SHAH ALAM - It was supposed to be an adventure into one of Indonesia’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes. Instead it became a race against time, falling rock and an eruption that gave no warning a minute too early.

On May 8, two Singaporean hikers and one Indonesian guide died on Mount Dukono in North Halmahera after a sudden volcanic blast tore through a hiking group standing dangerously close to the crater rim.

By the time rescuers reached the site, the mountain was still active. By the time the search ended, families were left confronting not just loss, but the terrifying unpredictability of living volcanoes in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

The eruption that changed everything

Mount Dukono erupted on May 8, sending ash as high as 10 kilometres into the sky, according to Indonesian authorities. The blast struck while a group of around 20 hikers — Singaporeans and Indonesians — were on or near the summit area.

Two Singaporeans, Heng Wen Qiang Timothy (30) and Shahin Muhrez Abdul Hamid (27), were later found dead near the crater rim. An Indonesian woman, identified as Enjel, also died in the incident. Seventeen others survived.

Rescuers later recovered the bodies under extremely difficult conditions involving steep terrain, rain, unstable ground and continuing volcanic activity. Authorities deployed about 150 personnel and thermal drones during the search operation.

Rescue official Iwan Ramdani described how operations were repeatedly disrupted by danger near the crater zone, where falling debris remained a constant threat.

Officials later confirmed the search had concluded.

How the final moments unfolded

The most detailed account of the incident came from the group’s guide, Reza Selang, who described how conditions initially appeared calm when the group reached the summit area.

“At that time there was no visible activity, there was no smoke either. At around 7.40am (local time), I launched a drone to monitor the crater area. One minute later, the eruption began.

“Within one minute there were two eruptions. The first eruption only released smoke. Maybe around 15 or 20 seconds later, the second eruption happened and it released all the volcanic material,” he said.

As the mountain erupted, the group scattered. Using his drone, Reza spotted Shahin lying near the crater rim and moved to assist him. Heng, who had initially descended, turned back to help.

Reza said the two men attempted to pull Shahin to safety while rocks were falling left and right.

Then a large boulder estimated at around two metres wide, was ejected from the crater and began rolling down the slope.

“Timothy turned back and in only a split second he immediately hugged Shahin,” Reza said.

The rock struck both men instantly, killing them at the scene. Reza said he froze for a moment before running downhill to escape.

Warnings, permits and an open question of responsibility

Indonesian authorities later said climbing permits for Mount Dukono had already been suspended since April 17 due to increased volcanic activity. Public access was also prohibited within a 4km radius of the crater.

Officials also said warning signs and social media advisories had been issued ahead of the incident. Police chief Erlichson Pasarib noted that a group of around 20 hikers had ignored repeated warnings to stay away from the area.

Authorities have since ordered investigations into possible negligence involving tourism operators or individuals who organised the climb. Those assisting the group are expected to be questioned.

The tourism ministry has also ordered the permanent closure of the hiking route following the incident.

The guide’s account and regret

Reza, who runs a tour company in North Maluku, said he was unaware that climbing restrictions were in effect at the time. He also said local villagers who typically assist him did not inform him about the prohibition.

“There are no words. Until now I still feel torn apart, I still can not believe it, right now I am deeply devastated. Whatever legal consequences happen, I have to accept them. I feel very guilty toward the victims and their families.

“I feel like I want to go to Singapore and kneel at the victims’ parents’ feet. I want to apologise,” he said.

A mountain that had already been active for weeks

Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. It has erupted more than 200 times since late March, according to officials.

Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity caused by shifting tectonic plates. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes.

At the time of the incident, Dukono remained under a third-tier alert level in Indonesia’s four-tier system, indicating dangerous activity and restricted access near the crater.

Lives lost and remembered

Tributes have since poured in for Heng, who was remembered by friends and outdoor groups as someone deeply committed to exploration and mentoring others.

One tribute described him as someone who:

“You inspired people to go outside, to explore, to climb mountains, to see the beauty of this world and to live more courageously.”

Others said his final act — turning back to try to help a fellow hiker — reflected his character.

“He was full of life and his eyes sparkled when he spoke of his stories in nature,” said a representative from a wellness group that worked with him.

His stepsister said the family believed his final moments were consistent with who he was:

“That is the Tim we know. It just sounded so much like what he would do.”

What this tragedy highlights

The Mount Dukono eruption highlights a recurring tension in adventure tourism: the gap between real-time volcanic risk and on-the-ground decision-making.

Even with monitoring systems, exclusion zones and permit suspensions in place, enforcement in remote terrain remains difficult and when eruptions occur without clear warning, survival often comes down to proximity and seconds.

For the families of the victims, however, the explanation matters far less than the outcome. What remains is a mountain that was meant to be climbed and a moment that should never have been that close to its edge.