An Indonesian mountain guide has described the terrifying moments when a sudden eruption of Mount Dukono sent volcanic rocks crashing down on a group of hikers, killing three people and leaving survivors scrambling for safety.
Reza Selang, who was leading the expedition, said he narrowly escaped being struck by a massive rock that landed on two hikers standing beside him.
“There are no words. Until now I still feel torn apart. I still can’t believe it. Right now I am deeply devastated,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that two Singaporean hikers and one Indonesian hiker died in the eruption, while the remaining members of the 20-person group were safely evacuated from the volcano on Halmahera Island in North Maluku.
Eruption Struck Within Seconds
According to Reza, the group began climbing on Thursday afternoon under calm conditions, and there were no visible signs of volcanic activity when they reached the summit the following morning.
Using a drone to inspect the crater, he said he observed no smoke or unusual activity and allowed part of the group to approach the rim while others remained below.
At approximately 7:40 a.m. local time, he launched the drone again to monitor the hikers. About a minute later, the volcano erupted.
He said the first explosion produced only smoke, but roughly 20 seconds later a second eruption blasted volcanic material into the air, sending rocks and debris down the mountainside.
The hikers immediately attempted to flee.
Rescue Attempt Ended in Tragedy
Through his drone camera, Reza spotted Singaporean hiker Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid lying near the crater. He rushed uphill to help him, joined by expedition organizer Timothy Heng, who had initially escaped with the rest of the group.
The two men dragged the injured hiker downhill while volcanic rocks continued falling around them.
Reza said a boulder roughly 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide then tumbled toward them.
According to his account, Heng turned back and shielded Shahin moments before the rock struck both men, killing them instantly.
“I just stayed still,” Reza recalled. “Maybe for about one minute.” He then ran down the mountain and alerted emergency authorities.
Search and rescue teams later recovered the bodies of Heng, Shahin, and Indonesian hiker Angel Krishela Pradita, whose remains were found near the summit.
Authorities Investigating Possible Negligence
Following the disaster, Indonesian authorities permanently closed all access routes to Mount Dukono and warned that violations of the climbing ban could result in sanctions.
Officials said the volcano had erupted more than 200 times since late March and that climbing permits had been suspended since 17 April. A restricted zone extending 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the crater had also been established due to ongoing volcanic activity.
Police have launched an investigation into what they described as possible negligence by tourism operators or individuals involved in organizing the expedition.
Reza said he has been questioned by investigators and has handed over drone footage from the incident. While he insists he was unaware that climbing had been prohibited, he acknowledged knowing that Mount Dukono was under Level 2 on Indonesia’s four-tier volcanic alert system, indicating elevated volcanic activity and restrictions around the crater.
Indonesia’s Active Volcanoes Remain a Persistent Risk
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most geologically active regions, making earthquakes and volcanic eruptions relatively common.
Despite official warnings, active volcanoes such as Mount Dukono continue to attract adventure tourists. Last year, another fatal hiking accident occurred near the crater of Mount Rinjani, highlighting the dangers associated with trekking on active volcanic peaks.
As investigations continue, Reza said he is struggling with guilt over the tragedy.
“I feel very guilty toward the victims and their families,” he said. “I feel like I want to go to Singapore and kneel at the victims’ parents’ feet. I want to apologise.”
