Two Singaporean hikers who had earlier been reported missing after the eruption of Mount Dukono in Indonesia have been confirmed dead, according to Indonesian rescue authorities.
The fatalities were confirmed on May 10 after search teams located bodies believed to be the missing Singaporeans near the crater rim of the volcano.
The victims were identified by Indonesian media reports as 30-year-old Heng Wen Qiang Timothy and 27-year-old Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid.
The incident has shocked many in Singapore, especially among outdoor adventure and hiking communities, as rescue efforts had been ongoing amid dangerous volcanic activity and harsh weather conditions.
Bodies Found Near Crater Rim Amid Difficult Rescue Conditions
According to Indonesian rescue officials, the bodies were discovered around the crater area following intensive search operations.
Local rescue agency head Iwan Ramdani reportedly said evacuation efforts remain difficult due to continuing eruptions and poor weather conditions around Mount Dukono.
Authorities explained that volcanic activity in the area has complicated access routes and created dangerous conditions for emergency personnel attempting to recover the bodies safely.
Earlier in the operation, rescuers reportedly found backpacks believed to belong to the missing hikers, raising fears that the pair may have been trapped near the summit area during the eruption.
Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and is known for frequent eruptions and unpredictable ash emissions. The volcano, located in North Maluku province, attracts adventurous hikers and tourists despite the risks associated with volcanic activity.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to intense tectonic activity.
MFA Assisting Families Following Tragic Incident
Singapore authorities are reportedly working closely with Indonesian officials following the tragedy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier confirmed that Singaporeans were among those affected by the eruption and said assistance was being provided to the families involved.
The deaths have also renewed discussions about travel safety and overseas hiking risks, particularly in active volcanic regions where weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly without warning.
Travel experts often advise hikers to closely monitor volcanic alerts, weather advisories and local authority instructions before attempting climbs in remote regions across Southeast Asia.
Indonesia experiences frequent volcanic activity each year, and authorities regularly issue danger-zone advisories around active volcanoes to minimise risks to residents and tourists.
As evacuation operations continue, Indonesian rescue teams are expected to face ongoing challenges due to unstable terrain, volcanic ash emissions and changing weather conditions near the crater.
The incident has prompted condolences online from Singaporeans mourning the loss of the two hikers, with many expressing sympathy for their families and loved ones during this difficult period.