Dukono is an active volcano located in the northern part of Halmahera island, the largest of the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. It has a broad profile and is capped by compound craters. During the major eruption in 1550, a lava flow filled in the strait between Halmahera and the north flank cone of Mount Mamuya. It was an eruption of scale 3 on VEI. Deaths were reported but the figure is unknown. Smaller eruptions occurred in 1719, 1868, and 1901. Since 1933, Dukono has been erupting continuously until the present.
Eruptions in 2014 increased since early spring. Ash clouds rose up to 2.5 km (1.6 mi) height and volcanic lightning were observed and photographed on 11 June. Strombolian eruptions spew lava bombs on the outer flank of the crater cone.
On 6 April 2026 it erupted when a group was trekking nearby the volcanic mountain. No casualties were reported. The volcano was closed to the public after 17 April; despite this, many visitors ignored warnings around the entrances.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying May 2026 eruption of Dukono alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
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