Mount Dukono guide named suspect for negligence by Indonesian police after death of 3 hikers

Indonesian police have named the man who led the fatal Mount Dukono hike on May 8 a suspect for negligence resulting in death, Kompas reported.

This was confirmed by Rinaldi Anwar, the head of the police criminal investigation unit at North Halmahera, where the active volcano is located.

The police chief of North Halmahera, where the active volcano is located, also confirmed this with ST.

Nine Singaporeans were among 20 climbers on the hike that led to the deaths of two Singaporeans and one Indonesian when the volcano erupted.

Investigators strongly suspect negligence resulted in the incident after a review of existing investigative facts, Rinaldi said.

If convicted, the Indonesian tour guide, Reza Selang, can face up to five years in prison, or a fine of up to 500 million rupiah (S$36,300).

Claimed to be unaware

Reza previously apologised and expressed guilt over the deaths of the two Singaporeans.

On Apr. 17, local authorities had imposed a public climbing ban at Mount Dukono after increased volcanic activity.

However, Reza said he was not notified of any prohibitions against climbing it at the time, and that he was not informed of the increased volcanic activity.

After the volcano erupted, he reportedly alerted the authorities, and stayed behind to assist with the search-and-rescue operation for the missing climbers.

Not detained

The North Halmahera police said that Reza has not been detained, but this could change depending on whether he cooperates with investigations, The Straits Times reported.

Responding to being named a suspect, Reza said he "will continue to cooperate with every step of the process", as quoted by ST.

The police have gathered new pieces of evidence, including the victims' autopsy results and statements from experts, and additional items of evidence will be seized, Rinaldi said.

He added that after the case has been reviewed, the police will summon Reza.

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