MFA: 7 S'poreans to return home after Indonesia volcano evacuation, search for 2 missing hikers continues

In a statement on May 9, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said officers from the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta were presently at Mount Dukono in North Halmahera and working with Indonesian authorities on ongoing search and rescue (SAR) efforts.

Singaporeans en route to Jakarta and back home

The ministry said embassy officers were also facilitating the return of the seven Singaporeans in the affected group.

“This group of seven is presently en route to Jakarta and will travel home to Singapore on Sunday, 10 May 2026,” MFA said.

The ministry also expressed its “deep appreciation” for the efforts of local authorities in North Halmahera, where SAR operations were continuing “under highly challenging conditions”.

The two missing Singaporeans were identified by Indonesian media as Heng Wen Qiang Timothy, 30, and Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid, 27.

Rescuers on Saturday (May 9) also recovered the body of an Indonesian woman, identified as Enjel, according to The Star.

The report stated that her body had since been handed over to her family.

Search enters third day amid ongoing eruptions

The search operation entered its third day on Sunday (May 10), as reported by tvOneNews, with around 150 joint personnel deployed.

Ternate Search and Rescue Office head Iwan Ramdani said the search was focused on the crater's rim.

He added that the search area was about 1.25km away from the last known point where the victims were seen, based on the location where one victim was found during the second day of SAR operations.

Iwan also said the safety of rescue personnel remained a priority due to difficult weather conditions and Mount Dukono’s continued volcanic activity, which was still emitting hot ash and material.

At least 100 rescuers, military personnel and police officers, as well as two thermal drones, had reportedly been deployed for the operation.

Indonesian authorities investigating tour company

Indonesian police are also investigating a tour company over possible negligence, The Star reported.

North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu reportedly said six people had been questioned, though no arrests had been made.

Authorities are investigating why tourists were allegedly allowed to climb Mount Dukono despite a ban on climbing activities.

According to the report, hiking to the volcano’s summit had reportedly been prohibited since 2024 due to eruptions, while local authorities imposed a broader ban on climbing activities in April 2026 following increased volcanic activity.