Missing Mount Dukano Climbers Following Eruption Rises to Three

RRI.CO.ID, Tobelo – The number of missing climbers in the response operation following the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, increased to three as of Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. local time. Earlier reports stated that two foreign nationals were unaccounted for, but updated field data revealed that one Indonesian citizen is also still missing, prompting joint rescue teams to expand the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operation.

The three missing climbers are identified by the initials HWQT, a 30-year-old male from outside Indonesia; SMBAH, a 27-year-old male from outside Indonesia; and E, an Indonesian female. Meanwhile, 15 other individuals were successfully found alive, and joint rescue teams continue to search several locations while taking into account the fluctuating volcanic activity of Mount Dukono.

"During the search operation, two survivors, identified as RS and JA, assisted the joint SAR team by providing information about the climbing route and the victims’ last known locations before the emergency situation caused by the eruption occurred," Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said in a statement on Friday.

According to reports from the Mount Dukono Volcano Observation Post, which is also present at the site, the search operation was temporarily suspended due to the potential risk of incandescent lava ejections reaching up to approximately 1.5 kilometers from the crater summit. Once conditions improved, the search resumed with the operation divided into two teams.

The first team, led by the Head of the North Halmahera Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), searched along the route leading to the mountain summit and deployed unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to monitor conditions from the air. The team is currently positioned approximately 500 meters from the summit.

Meanwhile, the second team is conducting searches in the river flow area near the summit region, which is suspected to be part of the victims’ movement route. Authorities believe the terrain may provide clues regarding the whereabouts of the missing climbers.

The emergency response operation involves the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Police (TNI/Polri), the Mount Dukono Volcano Observation Post, medical personnel, and local volunteers. The BNPB has urged residents, tourists, and hiking enthusiasts to avoid activities around Mount Dukono while volcanic activity remains elevated and to follow official guidance from local authorities and the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) for public safety.