Five Hikers Trapped in Forest Fire at Mount Gamkonora, West Halmahera Found Safe

HALMAHERA BARAT, KOMPAS.com – Five hikers who had been trapped near the crater area of Mount Gamkonora, West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, were finally found safe on Friday (9/18/2026).

Earlier, a forest fire broke out around the summit of Mount Gamkonora on Friday at approximately 6:00 p.m. Eastern Indonesia Time.

The five hikers became trapped after the fire encircled the path leading to the crater area.

The search operation was carried out by the youth of Gamsungi Village, who manage the hiking route.

The Head of the Gamkonora Volcano Observation Post, Taufan Barham, said three of the hikers were found first and evacuated to the Observation Post.

Meanwhile, the team continued their search for the remaining two hikers by combing the area up to Post 5.

However, the search team encountered difficulty proceeding because the fire had surrounded the crater area.

“The youth managing the trail were at the last post (Post 5) attempting to find a way to reach the two hikers. However, since the fire had encircled the crater area, they planned to descend for safety reasons,” Taufan said.

Independent Hiking

According to Taufan, the two hikers climbed independently, without guides or notifying the official post.

They are suspected to be novice hikers working in Weda, Central Halmahera Regency.

When authorities tried to contact them via mobile phone, a connection was briefly established, but there was no response.

The search was then resumed by local residents and youths.

After an intensive search, the whereabouts of the two hikers were finally discovered.

Taufan said they were found safe by villagers and youths who conducted a sweep up to the summit.

“Thank God, we received news by phone that the remaining two hikers were found by the youths who went up to the summit,” Taufan said.

With the discovery of these two hikers, all five hikers previously trapped around Mount Gamkonora were found safe.