BNPB Head of Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said on Saturday that two of the missing climbers are foreign nationals, while the other is an Indonesian citizen.
"On the second day of the operation, the team focused the search on an area believed to be where the victims were located. The two foreign nationals were detected 20 to 30 meters from the rim of the main crater," he said.
BNPB reported that although the two foreign nationals had been located, evacuation efforts had not yet been carried out due to extreme terrain and high volcanic activity at Mount Dukono.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian climber is still being tracked and has not yet been located.
Abdul emphasized that all personnel in the field must prioritize safety and follow recommendations from the Dukono Volcano Observation Post under the Geological Agency, given that the volcano remains at Level II (Alert) status.
Related news: Two foreigners still missing after Mount Dukono eruption
According to the observation post, seismic activity remains dominated by high-amplitude eruption quakes.
From early Saturday until 11 a.m. local time, several eruptions were recorded, with ash columns reaching 3,000 meters above the summit.
BNPB expressed regret over the climbing activity, considering that the North Halmahera regional government had fully closed the Mount Dukono hiking route since April 17.
The public and tourists are prohibited from entering disaster-prone areas within a 4-kilometer radius of the crater.
To prevent similar incidents, BNPB urged the public to comply with Geological Agency recommendations on activity restrictions at other active volcanoes under Alert or higher status, including Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, and Mount Semeru in East Java.
"We urge hiking operators and the public to help disseminate information about the route closure. Violations may result in sanctions under prevailing regulations to ensure public safety," Abdul said.
Related news: Indonesia's Dukono volcano erupts, ash plume 1.4 km high
Related news: Indonesia's Mount Dukono erupts, ash rises 1.4 km
Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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