Dukono Volcano Eruption Update: April 2026 Activity and Ash Advisories

On April 6, 2026, Dukono volcano on Halmahera island in Indonesia erupted even as a group of trekkers was nearby, prompting immediate safety responses. No casualties were reported from the incident. The volcano has maintained continuous eruptive activity since 1933, making it one of the world’s most persistently active volcanic systems.

Recent Eruptive Activity

Dukono’s current eruptive phase began in 1933 and has continued without significant interruption for over 90 years. The volcano exhibits typical Strombolian to Vulcanian activity, characterized by rhythmic explosions that eject ash, lapilli, and volcanic bombs. These explosions occur every few seconds or minutes, creating a permanent plume that drifts over Halmahera island.

On April 6, 2026, an eruption occurred during trekking activity near the volcano. Local guides executed split-second safety decisions to evacuate the group, resulting in no reported injuries or fatalities. This event highlights the ongoing risks associated with the volcano’s persistent activity despite its remote location.

Volcanic Ash Hazards and Advisories

Dukono’s eruptions regularly produce volcanic ash that affects aviation and local communities. Ash plumes from the volcano have reached various altitudes, with recent observations documenting heights up to 2,600 meters (approximately 8,500 feet) above sea level. Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAAC) are routinely issued for the region due to the volcano’s continuous activity.

The ash emissions pose multiple hazards:

• Reduced visibility and respiratory hazards for local populations
• Potential aircraft engine damage requiring flight path adjustments
• Agricultural damage from ash fall on crops
• Disruption to local infrastructure, including occasional airport closures

Geological Context

Dukono is a complex volcano located at 1°41′58.218″N 127°52′41.178″E on the northern part of Halmahera island, the largest island in Indonesia’s Maluku archipelago. The volcano has a broad profile capped by compound craters, with the active center being the Malupang Wariang crater (approximately 360 x 700 meters). This crater constantly changes shape due to ongoing eruptive activity.

The volcano sits at a complex tectonic intersection that drives its hyperactivity. Historical records indicate a major VEI 3 eruption in 1550 that produced lava flows which filled the strait between Halmahera and the north flank cone of Mount Mamuya. While the exact death toll from this eruption is unknown, fatalities were reported.

Monitoring and Impact

Due to its remote location, Dukono receives less scientific monitoring and public attention than more accessible Indonesian volcanoes like Merapi or Bromo. However, its continuous activity since 1933 represents one of the longest ongoing eruptive episodes documented globally. The volcano’s persistent degassing creates a characteristic white and grey plume visible across northern Halmahera.

Local communities regularly experience ash fall that impacts daily life, requiring cleanup efforts and affecting agricultural productivity. The Galela airport in North Halmahera has faced periodic closures due to ash accumulation on runways, disrupting regional air travel.

Current Status

As of late April 2026, Dukono remains in its long-term eruptive state that began over nine decades ago. The April 6 eruption involving trekkers serves as a reminder of the volcano’s unpredictable nature despite its seemingly routine activity. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and issue advisories as needed for aviation and public safety.

The combination of Dukono’s accessibility challenges and its relentless activity has earned it the description of a “forgotten giant” among Indonesia’s volcanic landscape, though its impacts are very real for those living in its vicinity.