The information gap reflects the structural challenges of governing an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, where central government directives must traverse multiple layers of provincial, district, and village administration before reaching tourism operators in isolated communities. In Indonesia, as across archipelagic democracies, unity in diversity requires constant negotiation across islands, ethnicities, and beliefs—including the practical challenge of ensuring life-saving information reaches remote island communities.

Reza, who has been climbing since 2010 and began offering commercial guiding services in 2023, told investigators he checked the crater with a drone at 7:20 AM and saw no visible volcanic activity. "When I monitored with the drone, I couldn't see any activity in the crater. There was no smoke even. Very calm," he said. He allowed the group to approach the summit with instructions to descend quickly.

At 7:41 AM, the mountain erupted twice in quick succession. "The first eruption released smoke. Seconds later, a follow-up eruption occurred and released all the [volcanic] material," Reza recalled. Climbers scattered downward as rocks rained from the sky.

When Timothy returned to help the injured Shahin, Reza joined him in attempting to drag the climber to safety. "I held the legs, Timo held the hands. So we dragged him down," he said. Moments later, the crater ejected a massive boulder that struck both men. "The stone was about two meters wide. I already shouted 'stone,' but Timo turned and in just a fraction of a second he hugged Shahin," Reza said. "It hit everything—head, body, everything—because the stone was big."

Halmahera Utara Police Chief AKBP Erlichson Pasaribu vowed a thorough investigation. "We from the police will thoroughly investigate the guide from a legal perspective, from those responsible, to the porters—all will be processed legally," Erlichson stated.

The incident has drawn scrutiny to the role of social media in promoting hazardous volcanic tourism. Reza acknowledged that viral videos he posted of previous Dukono climbs attracted international attention and booking requests. "Since my video went viral, several foreign tourists who wanted to come contacted me," he said.

Police are examining the role of the "Ayo Baronda" tourism promotion program associated with the Anak Esa social media account, which marketed climbing packages. Two individuals affiliated with the account are under intensive questioning, though both remain classified as witnesses rather than suspects.

The deaths occurred despite Indonesia's volcano monitoring agency maintaining Mount Dukono at elevated alert status. The mountain is one of the country's most active volcanoes, with near-continuous eruptive activity. Yet the formal closure order issued weeks before the fatal climb apparently never reached the informal network of guides, porters, and village facilitators who organize tourism in the remote region.

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the families of the two Singaporean victims. The tragedy threatens to strain bilateral tourism relations between the two countries as Singapore reviews safety protocols for its citizens traveling to volcanic regions in Indonesia.

For Reza, who suffered burn injuries to his legs from volcanic material, the incident has shattered his livelihood and left him wrestling with crushing guilt. "This is the first incident I've experienced and I feel very guilty toward the victims and the families of the victims," he said. "Of course there are many regrets. If only we hadn't climbed yesterday, if only I hadn't accepted [this job], if only Dukono wasn't the last destination."

The investigation continues as authorities examine whether criminal negligence charges are warranted, and whether systemic reforms are needed to ensure volcanic hazard information reaches the guides and communities who need it most.