Indonesia Warns Tourists as Dukono Volcano Erupts Releasing Ash Five Thousand Metres High with Safety Measures and Travel Alerts in North Maluku

Written By: Samadrita Mukherjee

Samadrita Mukherjee

A dedicated Digital News Writer with experience in creating accurate, engaging, and SEO-optimized news content for digital platforms. Skilled in researching, verifying facts, and producing timely articles on travel, tourism, aviation, visa updates, and breaking news. Strong understanding of WordPress, SEO best practices, Google Discover guidelines, and audience-focused content strategies. Capable of crafting compelling headlines, optimizing content for search visibility, and maintaining high editorial standards under tight deadlines. Committed to delivering credible, informative, and reader-friendly news while adapting to evolving digital publishing trends and organizational requirements.

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May 18, 2026 07:52 GMT+5:30

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Dukono volcano in Indonesia’s North Maluku province erupted on May seventeenth, two thousand twenty-six, sending a massive column of grey ash five thousand metres above its peak. The eruption prompted urgent advisories from the country’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, which reported that the one thousand eighty-seven-metre volcano is at the second-highest alert level. This activity has heightened travel safety concerns for local residents and visitors, emphasizing the ongoing risks associated with one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes.

Authorities have urged people to avoid activities within four kilometres of the crater and to carry face masks to protect against inhaling volcanic ash. The eruption adds to ongoing hazards in the region and follows a recent deadly event earlier this month in which three people were killed due to volcanic activity.

What Happened and Where

Dukono, located on Halmahera Island, is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. On May seventeenth, it erupted forcefully, producing a dense grey ash plume rising five thousand metres into the sky. The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation placed the volcano at alert level two, which indicates elevated volcanic activity with potential threats to life and property.

The volcano has a history of frequent eruptions and ash emissions. Its low, broad profile and persistent activity make it one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in Indonesia. Scientists track seismic activity, gas emissions, and ash plume heights to issue timely warnings for the local population and travellers.

Official Warnings and Travel Safety

Authorities have restricted access within four kilometres of the crater to prevent injuries from falling ash, pyroclastic fragments, and other volcanic hazards. Residents and visitors are advised to wear protective face masks to minimize respiratory risks from fine ash particles, which can irritate the lungs and eyes.

People in nearby areas are also instructed to stay indoors when ashfall occurs and to cover water sources and agricultural fields to prevent contamination. Emergency services remain on standby for rapid response to any incidents related to the eruption.

Recent Tragedy at Mount Dukono

Earlier in May, a deadly eruption at Mount Dukono resulted in the deaths of three hikers who were on Halmahera Island despite safety warnings. Rescue teams recovered the bodies after challenging operations, highlighting the importance of following official advisories. In response, local authorities have permanently closed climbing access to the volcano to prevent further accidents, banning tourists and guides from entering restricted zones.

The recent deaths underscore the unpredictable nature of active volcanoes and reinforce the need for travellers to adhere to safety protocols when visiting volcanic regions in Indonesia.

Impact on Locals and Tourists

The eruption has caused ashfall over nearby communities, affecting air quality and visibility. Volcanic ash can damage crops, disrupt transportation, and pose serious health risks to those exposed without protection. Tourists planning to visit North Maluku are strongly advised to reconsider travel to the volcano area until authorities declare it safe.

Flights in the region may also be impacted, as ash clouds can interfere with aircraft engines. Travelers are urged to check flight statuses and local advisories before planning journeys in affected areas.

Monitoring and Preparedness

Dukono’s continuous activity means monitoring is constant, with authorities tracking seismic tremors, gas emissions, and plume behaviour. Alert levels are updated in real-time to provide early warnings to residents and travellers. Preparedness plans include evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and coordination with local police and disaster response teams.

Experts note that Indonesia’s volcanic early warning systems are among the most advanced in the world, enabling quick dissemination of alerts and reducing risks to life and property.

Travel Safety Tips for Visitors

• Avoid the crater area – stay outside the four-kilometre safety zone.
• Carry face masks to protect against ash inhalation.
• Stay indoors during ashfall and cover water and food supplies.
• Follow official instructions from local authorities and volcanology agencies.
• Check flights and transport in case of ash-related delays or disruptions.

Cultural and Environmental Considerations

Dukono is part of the Ring of Fire, a region of frequent volcanic activity. The eruption also serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s geological hazards and the need for tourists and locals to respect nature’s power. Conservation groups are working with authorities to monitor environmental impacts, including ashfall on local forests and marine ecosystems.

Indonesia’s Dukono volcano eruption has once again demonstrated the volatile nature of active volcanic zones. With ash reaching five thousand metres and the volcano at elevated alert level two, authorities are urging compliance with safety advisories, travel restrictions, and respiratory protection. Emergency services remain on high alert, and travellers should follow official updates and avoid restricted zones. Monitoring will continue to ensure public safety while assessing the eruption’s full impact.