Dukono Volcano Erupts, Ash Column Reaches 900 Metres

Dukono Volcano in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, erupted on Monday (1 June) at 05:40 WIT. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported an ash column reaching approximately 900 metres above the peak, or 1,987 metres above sea level. The ash was observed as white to grey with thick intensity, drifting eastward. The eruption was recorded on seismograms with a maximum amplitude of 34 millimetres and duration of 39.08 seconds. “The eruption is ongoing as this report is being prepared,” PVMBG stated.

PVMBG maintains the volcano’s status at Level II (Alert), advising the public and tourists not to approach the Malupang Warirang crater within a 4-kilometre radius. Residents are also urged to prepare masks or nose and mouth coverings to protect against volcanic ash hazards to the respiratory system.

The volcano is one of Indonesia’s most active, with periodic eruptions requiring ongoing adherence to geological authorities’ recommendations.

A content creator, Anak Esa, has been named a suspect in a fatal incident at Dukono Volcano that resulted in three climbers’ deaths, including two foreigners. The National Search and Rescue Agency (BNPB) has concluded the search operation for 18 missing individuals, with all victims recovered and declared deceased.