Body of Indonesian Woman Recovered Amid Ongoing Search at Mount Dukono
On Saturday, rescuers recovered the body of an Indonesian woman on Mount Dukono, located on the remote island of Halmahera, Indonesia, while search operations persisted for two missing Singaporean climbers, officials reported.
The deceased hikers were part of a group of 20 who attempted to climb the 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano despite safety restrictions. They became stranded when Mount Dukono erupted early Friday, releasing a dense ash column approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the atmosphere.
The woman, identified only as Enjel and recognized as a local hiker by authorities, was discovered on Saturday afternoon roughly 50 meters from the main crater's rim, according to Iwan Ramdani, head of the local search and rescue office. The whereabouts of the two Singaporean climbers remain unknown, and rescue efforts continue amid elevated volcanic activity.
“The rescue efforts went through a situation that required careful calculation and a well planned evacuation strategy,” Ramdani said. “We took into account the potential escalation of volcanic activity as well as the safety of all personnel.”
Evacuations and Rescue Operations Amid Hazardous Conditions
Since the eruption, 17 hikers have been safely evacuated, including seven Singaporean nationals and two Indonesians who assisted in the rescue operation by providing information on the victims' climbing routes. Of those evacuated, ten sustained minor burn injuries.
The search operation, involving over 100 personnel supported by drones, resumed early Saturday. Efforts focused on a 700 square meter area where clues were previously found, despite challenging terrain and ongoing eruptions, Ramdani stated.
“The main challenge in this search effort is that we are racing against eruptions,” Ramdani explained in a video statement. “When the authorities declare conditions safe, we move closer to the crater area, but when an eruption occurs, we must immediately secure all search personnel from potential danger.”
Rescuers prioritize safety due to the volcano's continued elevated activity.
Volcanic Activity and Safety Measures
Indonesia’s volcanology agency reported a series of eruptions from early Saturday through late morning, including ash columns reaching 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Lava bursts were also observed overnight.
Mount Dukono has maintained the second-highest alert level since 2008. In December 2024, the volcanology agency recommended establishing a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) exclusion zone around the active crater.
All hiking routes to Mount Dukono were closed by local authorities in April, with the ban reinforced following Friday’s eruption. The national disaster management agency warned that entering restricted zones could lead to legal sanctions and urged climbers and tour operators to adhere to safety guidelines.
Context: Indonesia's Volcanic Landscape
Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with a population exceeding 270 million, is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and contains more than 120 active volcanoes.
