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I led hikers up an Indonesian volcano - and then it erupted
A guide took a group of hikers up Mount Dukono despite warnings. The volcano erupted on May 8, 2026, killing two Singaporeans and an Indonesian hiker, while other climbers were evacuated; authorities later closed the site and opened an investigation.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights safety and regulatory enforcement issues surrounding trekking in Indonesia's active volcanic areas and the responsibilities of tour operators.
Timeline
9 Events
Investigation and police statements
May 11, 2026
Police said the expedition is strongly suspected of violating regulations; two individuals associated with Reza's tour company were questioned; Reza handed over drone footage; investigators noted possible negligence by tourism operators or individuals.
Remains of Heng and Shahin Muhrez recovered
May 10, 2026
The remains of Heng and Shahin Muhrez were retrieved from the mountain on Sunday.
Angel Krishela Pradita's body found
May 9, 2026
Angel Krishela Pradita's body was found near the summit on Saturday.
Mount Dukono entrances closed and climbing prohibition enforced
May 8, 2026
Authorities permanently closed all entrances to Mount Dukono and warned that violations of the climbing prohibition would be sanctioned.
Deaths and one missing hiker reported
May 8, 2026
Two Singaporeans, Timothy Heng and Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid, were killed by falling rocks; Indonesian hiker Angel Krishela Pradita went missing.
Eruption occurs on Mount Dukono
May 8, 2026
At about 07:41 local time, the volcano erupted shortly after Reza had sent a drone to monitor the group; a second eruption followed, ejecting volcanic material.
Group begins hiking up Mount Dukono
May 7, 2026
The group began hiking up Dukono on Thursday afternoon. Fourteen hikers, including Heng, went up while Reza and the rest stayed below.
Climbing permit prohibition and 4km exclusion around the crater
April 17, 2026
Authorities prohibited granting climbing permits for Mount Dukono and banned the public from an area 4km from the crater.
Timothy Heng contacted Reza to guide a group up Dukono and other mountains
2025
Reza Selang said he was contacted last year by Timothy Heng, a Singaporean who organised adventure expeditions, to guide a group of hikers up Dukono and other mountains in the region.