The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team officially closed the search operation for victims of the Mount Dukono eruption in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, on Sunday (10/5/2026). This closure was conducted after all victims reported missing, including two foreign nationals, were successfully found dead on the third day of the search.
The last two victims, who were foreign nationals, were identified by the initials H.W.Q.T. (30) and S.M.B.A.H. (27). Their bodies were found not far from the location of the first victim, an Indonesian citizen (WNI) with the initials E, who was evacuated the day before. All three bodies have now been taken to Tobelo Regional General Hospital (RSUD Tobelo) for further identification.
Evacuation efforts on the final day faced severe challenges due to thick deposits of volcanic sand and the still-fluctuating volcanic activity of Mount Dukono. This humanitarian operation involved at least 98 joint personnel from Basarnas, BPBD North Halmahera, TNI, Polri, and local volunteers, divided into four tactical teams.
In addition to evacuating the three fatalities, the rescue operation also successfully ensured the safety of 15 other climbers. The group of survivors consisted of seven Singaporean citizens and eight Indonesian citizens who have now been evacuated to a safe zone.
Following this incident, the North Halmahera Regency Government enforced a total and permanent closure of the Mount Dukono climbing route starting Friday (8/5/2026). This strict policy strictly prohibits any tourism or climbing activities within a four-kilometer danger radius from the main crater, in accordance with PVMBG recommendations.
The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) once again appealed to the public, tourists, and travel agencies to comply with this prohibition to avoid new casualties. Authorities also emphasized that violators of this disaster-prone area closure policy will face applicable legal sanctions.
