I led hikers up an Indonesian volcano – and then it erupted

I Led Hikers Up an Indonesian Volcano—Then It Erupted

I led hikers up an Indonesian – On Friday, an Indonesian volcano erupted, trapping a group of hikers in chaos and resulting in three fatalities. Reza Selang, a local guide from North Maluku, recounted the traumatic experience as he assisted the group on their ascent of Mount Dukono. The incident, which unfolded on the island of Halmahera, left Reza deeply shaken, describing his emotional state as “torn apart” and “deeply devastated.”

A Harrowing Escape

Reza narrowly avoided being crushed by a massive rock that was launched from the volcano’s crater during the eruption. The stone struck two hikers beside him, causing immediate danger. “There are no words,” he said over the phone on Monday. “Until now, I still feel as though my insides are being torn out. I can’t believe it happened, and I’m in a state of deep sorrow,” he added.

According to Indonesian officials, the eruption claimed the lives of two Singaporean climbers and one Indonesian hiker. The remaining members of the group were safely evacuated, but the tragedy left a lasting impact. Reza, who operates a tour company in the region, described how the group had ignored earlier warnings, continuing their climb despite the volcano’s active status.

Volcano’s History and Prohibitions

Mount Dukono has been known for its frequent eruptions, with over 200 events recorded since late March. Since 17 April, authorities have banned climbing permits for the volcano and restricted public access to a 4km radius around the crater. Signs and social media alerts were also posted to warn climbers. However, Reza claimed he was not fully aware of these measures when he joined the expedition.

Reza said the local villagers he regularly employs to assist with the hikes did not inform him about the ban. “They didn’t mention anything about the prohibition,” he noted. Despite the warnings, the group proceeded with their climb, confident in the volcano’s calm demeanor. Reza had checked the crater using a drone camera, observing no visible signs of activity. “There was no smoke, no eruption, nothing,” he recalled.

The Moment of Catastrophe

The group reached the summit on Thursday, a day before the eruption. Reza, who stayed below the crater with some of the hikers, allowed 14 climbers—including Timothy Heng, a Singaporean organizer of adventure trips—to ascend. At 07:40 local time, Reza flew his drone to monitor the situation. Just one minute later, the mountain erupted violently.

“Within a minute, there were two eruptions,” Reza explained. “The first only released smoke, but the second threw out all the material.” The second eruption was particularly intense, sending rocks cascading down the slopes. As the group fled, Reza spotted Singaporean hiker Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid lying injured near the crater. He rushed to rescue the man, bringing his drone back to the scene.

Meanwhile, Timothy Heng, who had initially escaped with the group, returned to help. The two men dragged Shahin down the mountain as rocks rained down on all sides. Then, a massive 2m-wide rock burst from the crater, hurtling toward them. “Timothy turned back and immediately hugged Shahin in a split second,” Reza said. The rock landed on Heng and Shahin, crushing them instantly. Reza stood frozen, watching the scene unfold before him.

Aftermath and Investigation

Reza’s drone footage became critical evidence in the aftermath. The surviving hikers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the authorities launched a search and rescue operation to locate the missing third climber, Indonesian hiker Angel Krishela Pradita. Reza and another team member stayed behind to aid in the search, eventually finding Angel’s body near the summit on Saturday.

Rescue workers retrieved the remains of Heng and Shahin on Sunday, as shown in a video released by officials. The footage revealed the team digging through layers of black volcanic ash to uncover bone fragments. The incident has prompted authorities to permanently close all access points to Mount Dukono, with strict penalties for those who violate the climbing ban.

Officials are now investigating whether negligence played a role in the disaster. Reza said he had been questioned by local police and had handed over his drone footage as part of the inquiry. “They’re looking into possible errors by tour operators or individuals,” he mentioned. The police statement highlighted the need for stricter safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of heeding warnings before embarking on such trips.

Lessons from the Eruption

The eruption of Mount Dukono serves as a stark reminder of the volcano’s unpredictable nature. Despite previous advisories, the group had proceeded with their hike, believing the conditions to be safe. Reza, who had guided similar trips before, admitted he had not fully grasped the severity of the risk. “I thought the warnings were just precautionary,” he said.

Authorities are now reviewing the incident to determine if the ban was effectively communicated to all climbers. Reza’s company, which had partnered with Timothy Heng on the expedition, faces scrutiny over its decision to allow the group to ascend. The event has also raised concerns about the balance between adventure tourism and volcanic safety. “We wanted to provide an unforgettable experience, but we didn’t anticipate the eruption would happen so suddenly,” Reza reflected.

In the days following the tragedy, the community has been deeply affected. Families of the victims are mourning, while local residents express frustration over the lack of warnings. Reza, though shaken, remains committed to ensuring future climbs are safer. “I’ll make sure every detail is checked before the next trip,” he vowed. The volcano’s closure has also impacted the local economy, with many tour operators now reassessing their risk management strategies.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding how the eruption could occur despite the restrictions. The authorities have reiterated that the ban was in place to protect climbers, and they are urging all operators to take greater responsibility. Reza’s experience highlights the challenges of balancing the thrill of adventure with the dangers posed by natural forces. “It’s a reminder that even in the best conditions, a volcano can turn deadly in an instant,” he said.

Mount Dukono, located in the North Maluku region, is known for its explosive eruptions and frequent activity. While it has been a popular destination for tourists, the recent event underscores the need for better communication and adherence to safety guidelines. Reza’s account of the incident, combined with the drone footage and rescue efforts, paints a vivid picture of the volcano’s power and the vulnerability of those who venture too close.

The tragedy has left lasting scars on the group and the local area. For Reza, the experience is both a personal and professional reckoning. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “The volcano didn’t just erupt—it swallowed part of our group whole.” As the investigation unfolds, questions about the role of tourism operators and the effectiveness of safety measures will remain central to the discussion. The incident is a sobering lesson for all who seek to conquer nature’s might, even in the face of warnings.