BNPB Suspects Negligence by Tourism Activists Ignoring Closure of Mount Dukono
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has indicated suspicions of negligence by tourism activists who allegedly disregarded notifications to close the Mount Dukono climbing area in North Maluku.
“From preliminary discussions among agencies, there is suspicion of negligence by tourism activists or parties who continued climbing activities despite notifications of the closure of the Mount Dukono climbing tourist area,” stated the Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, in his statement on Friday (8/5).
Muhari conveyed that the government is continuing to deepen information to ensure a comprehensive chronology of the incident.
Additionally, he stated that BNPB will periodically monitor Mount Dukono’s activity and evaluate the activity level, which can change at any time following developments in the volcanic conditions on the ground.
Muhari also urged the entire community, tourists, and climbers to remain calm while increasing vigilance and complying with official directives from local government and PVMBG officers.
“Communities around the mountain are also asked not to engage in activities within the recommended danger radius by relevant authorities and to use masks if volcanic ash rain occurs,” he said.
Mount Dukono in North Halmahera, North Maluku, erupted on Friday morning at 07.41 WIT, with the ash column reaching 10 km in height. This eruption was reported on the official website of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).
As a result of the eruption, BNPB also reported that at least five hikers were injured and are currently in the process of being recorded by field officers.
Separately, AKBP Erlichson Pasaribu stated that two people were reported dead.
“Based on information from BPBD, there are three victims: two dead and one still missing,” he told CNN Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Erlichson stated that the fate of one missing victim is unknown, whether alive or dead.
Additionally, 20 hikers are reported to still be trapped.
“So, 20 hikers are reported: 9 foreign nationals, the rest from around North Maluku,” he said.
Erlichson also mentioned that joint personnel will tighten surveillance of climbing routes to prevent climbers from ascending without permission.
Communities around Mount Dukono and visitors/tourists are advised not to engage in activities, climb, or approach the Malupang Warirang Crater within a 4 km radius.
Furthermore, communities around Mount Dukono are asked to always have masks/nose and mouth coverings available for use when needed to avoid the threat of volcanic ash to the respiratory system.