Mount Dukono Erupts in North Halmahera, Launching 1.4 km Ash Column

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Mount Dukono, located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku, experienced a significant eruption early Monday morning, April 20, 2026. The volcano sent a thick column of volcanic ash reaching 1,400 meters (1.4 kilometers) above its summit, drifting toward the east.

Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, confirmed the eruption occurred at 05.53 local time. "The eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 25 millimeters and a duration of 49.87 seconds," she said in a report from Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

The ash column was observed to be white to gray in color with a heavy intensity. As of the latest reports, eruptive activity at Mount Dukono is still ongoing.

The volcano is currently maintained at Status Level II (Caution). This status indicates that while activity is elevated, it remains within a monitored range typical of Dukono's persistently active state.

Due to the periodic nature of the eruptions and the unpredictability of ash dispersion, the Geological Agency has issued several safety mandates for residents and visitors. A strict exclusion zone has been established, prohibiting all activities, including hiking or approaching the Malupang Warirang Crater, within a 4-kilometer radius.

To ensure ash protection, the public is urged to always have masks available to cover their nose and mouth, as the spread of volcanic debris depends on shifting wind speeds and directions. Additionally, the agency emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, advising residents to stay informed because the ash-affected areas may change periodically depending on local weather conditions.

Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, known for its near-constant "breathing" of ash and gas. Today’s 1.4-kilometer plume is a notable spike in activity, particularly with the eastward drift, which affects different local communities depending on the season.

The 4-kilometer exclusion zone around the Malupang Warirang Crater is a critical safety buffer, as Dukono frequently ejects incandescent material (lava bombs) that can fall within that range.

For the people of Halmahera, masks are not just a precaution but a daily necessity during these cycles. The persistence of this eruption, lasting nearly 50 seconds on the seismogram, suggests that the internal pressure remains high, requiring vigilant monitoring of the Level II status to ensure the safety of the surrounding agricultural and residential zones. ***r