Jakarta. Police are investigating six mountain tour guides and porters following a deadly eruption of Mount Dukono on Friday in North Halmahera, North Maluku, that killed three hikers, including two Singaporean nationals.

Authorities said the six individuals were part of an 11-member hiking tour service group involved in organizing climbing trips to the volcano. They are being questioned as witnesses in connection with the deaths.

North Halmahera Police Chief Erlichson Pasaribu said investigators had taken statements from six people, including one trip organizer, one assistant, and four porters.

“From the temporary investigation, the tour organizers and porters are suspected of negligence that resulted in loss of life,” Erlichson told reporters on Monday.

He added that two individuals involved in the tour operation had been barred from leaving North Halmahera while the investigation continues.

Police said the alleged organizer, identified by the initials RS, promoted open-trip hiking packages through social media platforms, attracting both Indonesian and foreign tourists.

According to investigators, the operator offered guided hikes to several volcanoes in North Maluku, including Mount Dukono, Mount Ibu, and Mount Gamkonora.

The tour packages reportedly charged foreign tourists Rp 13 million ($746) per person, while Indonesian participants paid Rp 3 million per mountain trip.

Deputy Chief of the North Maluku Police,Stephen M. Napiun, said investigators suspect the organizers ignored official warnings issued by local authorities and volcano monitoring officers, including restrictions prohibiting activities within a four-kilometer radius of Mount Dukono’s crater.

“All climbing routes through Mamuya, Kota Jaya, and Ruko had already been restricted within a four-kilometer radius from the crater,” Stephen said.

“Many groups ignored safety measures because they wanted to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon,” he added.

Authorities described the eruption as a serious incident that highlights the dangers of ignoring volcanic hazard warnings in Indonesia, one of the world’s most volcanically active countries.

The casualties were identified as Singaporean nationals Heng Wen Qiang Timoty, 30, and Shahin Muhrez Bin Abdul Hamid, 27, along with an Indonesian woman identified as Angel. 

“This must become a warning from the regional government, security forces, the military, police, and search-and-rescue authorities that Level II volcanic alerts must be obeyed,” Stephen said.

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