Bodies of Timothy Heng Wen Qiang and Shahin Muhrez Abdul Hamid recovered near Mount Dukono crater rim, days after surprise eruption killed three climbers.
Indonesian rescuers have recovered the bodies of two Singaporean hikers who were killed when Mount Dukono erupted on the remote island of Halmahera, capping a difficult three-day search operation hampered by ongoing volcanic activity and treacherous terrain.
The victims were identified as Heng Wen Qiang Timothy, 30, and Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid, 27. They were part of a group of about 20 hikers-including nine Singaporeans-who were climbing the volcano when it erupted. An Indonesian female hiker also lost her life in the incident.
Two Singaporean Hikers Found Dead Near Volcano Crater:
Rescuers found the bodies of the two Singaporeans after two days near the crater rim, just metres from where the Indonesian victim was discovered a day earlier. According to search and rescue officials, the pair were found huddled together under rock debris, holding each other.
The operation involved hundreds of personnel from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), military, and police, who faced continuous ash falls, heavy rain, and unstable ground while working close to the active crater.
Indonesia Volcano Tragedy: Investigation Underway:
Authorities have launched an investigation into how the group entered a restricted four-kilometre exclusion zone around the volcano. A climbing ban had been imposed weeks earlier due to heightened volcanic activity.
Seventeen other hikers, including seven Singaporeans, managed to descend safely and have since returned home. The group was reportedly attempting a multi-volcano trek in North Maluku province.
Family members of Timothy Heng, the leader of the group and owner of an outdoor adventure company, said they were heartbroken but proud that he turned back to help his friend Shahin during the eruption.
“He stayed with his friend instead of saving himself,” a family member told local media, describing Timothy’s final actions as consistent with his character.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths and said it is providing consular assistance to the families.
Indonesia Raises Safety Concerns After Hiker Tragedy:
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is home to more than 120 active volcanoes. Mount Dukono is one of several frequently active volcanoes in the region. Friday’s eruption sent ash plumes several kilometres high and triggered pyroclastic flows and flying rocks that struck the hikers near the summit.
This tragedy is the latest in a series of fatal incidents involving hikers and tourists on Indonesian volcanoes, raising renewed questions about safety protocols, enforcement of exclusion zones, and the risks of adventure tourism in seismically active areas.
As forensic identification processes continue, the bodies are expected to be repatriated to Singapore once formalities are completed. The incident has cast a shadow over adventure travel between the two neighbouring countries.