Mountain Guide Faces Charges Over Three Deaths on Mount Dukono Climb Despite Ban

Police in North Halmahera have named Reza Selang, 35, as a suspect in charges of negligence resulting in death following a volcanic eruption on Mount Dukono on May 8 that killed three people: two Singaporeans named Shahin Muhrez Abdul Hamid and Timothy Heng, and an Indonesian national named Angel Krichela Praditya. Selang led a group of eight guides and twelve climbers, including nine Singaporeans, up the active volcano early in the morning on May 8. A major eruption occurred minutes after the group reached the summit. Although local authorities had banned climbing Mount Dukono since April 17 due to increased volcanic activity, Selang claims he was not aware of the ban. According to North Halmahera Police Chief Erlichson Pasaribu, Selang has not been detained but his status could change depending on his cooperation with police. Authorities identified Selang as a suspect for two reasons: proceeding with the climb despite the ban, and climbing without coordination with the government volcano observation center, which monitors the volcano at alert level 2 out of 4. The case will proceed through Indonesian legal channels, with police conducting further investigation and compiling evidence to present to the local prosecutor, who will determine whether to file formal charges.