Three People Killed After Climbing Mount Dukono During Volcanic Activity
Introduction
Three people died on May 8, 2026, after Mount Dukono on Halmahera island erupted while a group of hikers was inside a restricted area.
Main Body
The incident happened at 07:41 local time when a volcanic ash cloud rose 10 kilometers into the air. According to the Indonesian Geology Agency, the eruption lasted for over 16 minutes and was one of the most powerful in recent years. The victims include two Singaporean citizens and one resident of Ternate. While 17 people were rescued—including five who were injured—rescue teams cannot yet recover the bodies because the volcano is still active and the ground is dangerous. Mount Dukono has been active almost continuously since 1933. Because of this, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) created a four-kilometer danger zone around the crater in December. Furthermore, the tourism ministry officially closed the hiking area on April 17 after noticing an increase in eruptions. Despite these warnings on social media and physical signs, a group of about 20 hikers—nine from Singapore and eleven from Indonesia—decided to climb the mountain anyway. Currently, authorities are focusing on rescue and investigation. The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with its embassy in Jakarta to support the families. Meanwhile, the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) and the police are investigating whether tourism operators or the hikers were negligent. Additionally, health warnings have been issued for Tobelo City and nearby areas because ash is blowing north, which could cause mudflows during rain.
Conclusion
The situation remains dangerous as authorities continue to monitor the volcano's high alert status and try to recover the victims.
Learning
🧩 The 'Logical Connection' Leap
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences (like "It rained. I stayed home.") and start using Connectors. These are words that act as bridges, showing how two ideas relate to each other.
🚀 The 'Contrast' Bridge: Despite
In the text, we see: "Despite these warnings... a group of about 20 hikers... decided to climb the mountain anyway."
The A2 Way: "There were warnings, but they climbed the mountain." (Simple) The B2 Way: "Despite the warnings, they climbed the mountain." (Advanced)
How to use it: Use Despite + [Noun/Thing]. It tells the reader that something happened even though there was a reason for it not to happen.
🛠️ The 'Adding Info' Bridge: Furthermore & Additionally
Notice how the article doesn't just say "And... and... and." Instead, it uses:
- "Furthermore, the tourism ministry officially closed the hiking area..."
- "Additionally, health warnings have been issued..."
These words are 'Formal Add-ons.' They signal to the listener that you are building a professional argument or report.
⚠️ The 'Result' Bridge: Because of this
Instead of always starting with "Because...", the text uses: "Because of this, the Center... created a four-kilometer danger zone."
Pro Tip: Using "Because of this" at the start of a new sentence creates a stronger link between the cause (the volcano's history) and the effect (the danger zone) than a simple "so."
Quick Reference Summary for your upgrade:
| Instead of... (A2) | Try using... (B2) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| But | Despite / Nevertheless | Showing Contrast |
| And | Furthermore / Additionally | Adding Details |
| So | Because of this / Consequently | Showing Result |