A recent eruption at Mount Dukono has claimed the lives of two Singaporeans and one Indonesian, highlighting the volatile intersection of tourism and natural disaster in one of the world’s most volcanic regions.
Seventeen other hikers, including seven Singaporeans, were safely evacuated following the event. The tragedy has reignited discussions regarding the efficacy of safety enforcement across the Indonesian archipelago.
A Nation at Risk
Indonesia is described internationally as a “disaster laboratory” due to the frequency of its natural calamities. According to 2025 World Bank data, the country ranks third globally for disaster risk and fourth for disaster exposure.
The nation possesses around 130 active volcanoes—the highest number in the world—distributed across more than 17,000 islands. While these landscapes are major tourist draws, they present a constant risk to those who live and work near them.
The Science of Warnings
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) monitors earthquakes, gas emissions, and surface movements at observation posts on every active volcano.
These findings are used to assign one of four alert levels: Normal, Waspada (Alert), Siaga (Standby), and Awas (Highest Alert). Waspada indicates increased activity and suggests avoiding the crater, while Awas recommends full evacuation.
For Mount Dukono, located on Halmahera island, the status has remained at Level II (Waspada) since 2008. Between January 1 and March 30, 2026, the PVMBG recorded 199 eruptions at the site, with ash columns reaching up to 400m.
The public can track these statuses and safety recommendations via the government website Magma Indonesia.
The Enforcement Gap
While scientific monitoring is robust, ground enforcement is often inconsistent. Mountains are managed by a patchwork of entities, including national parks, district governments, and state-owned forestry company Perhutani.
Ruslan Budiarto, head of the Indonesian Mountain Guides Association, noted that national parks typically maintain the strongest controls and clearly defined standard operating procedures (SOPs).
However, destinations not designated as national parks, such as Mount Dukono, rely on local government management. In some areas, numerous paths up the volcano lack ranger posts or checkpoints, making it difficult to enforce no-go zones.
The Unpredictability of the Summit
Even with strict adherence to rules, volcanic activity can change rapidly. Student mountaineer Muhammad Lingga Abdul Latif recounted a climb on Mount Slamet earlier in 2026 where conditions deteriorated quickly after he reached the summit.
With no mobile signal, Latif and a companion were forced to turn back, eventually encountering Basarnas rescuers who were closing the mountain after its alert status was raised.
Mr. Budiarto observed that some hikers are well-aware of the risks but remain motivated to climb. He also noted that some younger guides may offer high-risk trips without adequate preparation.
Looking Ahead
To improve safety, Indonesia could look toward the systems used in Japan and Iceland. Following a 2014 eruption at Mount Ontake that killed 63 hikers, Japan expanded real-time alerts and improved public education.
A possible next step for Indonesian authorities may involve increasing investment in multilingual signage, trained rangers, and emergency shelters, particularly in remote regions.
Ensuring that scientific warnings are strictly enforced on the ground is likely to remain the primary challenge for the archipelago’s disaster management agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four volcanic alert levels in Indonesia?
The levels are Normal, Waspada (Alert), Siaga (Standby), and Awas (Highest Alert).
Why is safety enforcement uneven across Indonesian volcanoes?
Management is split among a patchwork of agencies, including national parks, forestry offices, and local governments. Remote areas often lack the budget for necessary infrastructure like ranger posts and communication systems.
What is the current status of Mount Dukono?
Mount Dukono remains at Level II (Waspada) alert, and activities are prohibited within a 4km radius of the Malupang Warirang crater.
Do you believe the responsibility for safety lies more with the government’s enforcement or the hiker’s personal research?
