Eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, today caused five climbers to be injured. The joint team of BPBD and Basarnas is still conducting searches and evacuations in the mountain area following increased volcanic activity.
Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said the eruption occurred at 07.41 WIT, Friday, May 8. Volcanic activity at Mount Dukono has actually shown an increase since the end of March 2026.
"Mount Dukono, which is currently in Level II (Alert) status, has experienced an increase in visual activity and earthquakes since March 29, 2026, with an average of 95 eruption events," said Abdul Muhari in his statement, Friday, May 8.
Based on PVMBG data collected by BNPB, the ash column reached about 10,000 meters with white, gray to black color. The eruption was also accompanied by weak to strong rumbling.
The seismic activity was recorded with a maximum amplitude of 34 mm and a duration of almost 1,000 seconds. The impact of the eruption was observed up to Galela District, specifically in Mamunya Village.
In the midst of the evacuation process, there were reports of two tourists who were suspected of dying in the Dukono Mountain area. However, BNPB confirmed that the information was still being verified by Basarnas and related agencies.
"Based on the temporary information obtained from cross-agency coordination, including Basarnas, there were reports of two tourists who were suspected of dying due to an incident in the Dukono Mountain area," said Abdul Muhari.
BNPB also highlighted the alleged climbing activities even though the tourist area of Mount Dukono had previously been closed by the Ministry of Tourism.
"From the results of the interim inter-agency discussions, there is an allegation of negligence from tourism activists or parties who continue to carry out climbing activities even though there has been a notification of the closure of the Dukono Mountain climbing tourism area," he said.
Currently, the North Halmahera BPBD has established an Integrated Disaster Emergency Response Post and coordinates with the Dukono Mountain Monitoring Post, Basarnas, medical personnel, TNI/Polri to the local community.
BNPB ensures that monitoring of Mount Dukono's activities is carried out periodically. The status and recommendations for dangerous areas can also change at any time following volcanic conditions in the field.
"BNPB appeals to the public, tourists and climbers to remain calm but increase vigilance and comply with official directions from local governments and PVMBG officers. The public around the mountain is also asked not to carry out activities within the dangerous radius that has been recommended by the relevant authorities and to use masks if volcanic ash rains occur," he added.
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