Positions of two victims identified – local rescuerpublished at 07:56 BST
07:56 BST
Astudestra Ajengrastri
BBC News Indonesia
Image source, Aldy
I managed to speak to Aldy, a local resident who has joined the rescue team.
He and his team is currently at a shelter about 2km (1.3mi) from the summit.
“The conditions at the last shelter are safe; we are currently holding discussions for the rescue operation,” he said over a phone call that was repeatedly interrupted due to a poor signal.
As we reported earlier, a local official has confirmed the deaths of three hikers – two foreigners and one local resident.
According to Aldy, the team has identified the positions of two victims near the summit, but has not been able to reach their bodies.
The exact location of the third victim, he added, has not yet been determined.
Mount Dukono has continued to emit volcanic ash and rocks from its crater. Aldy said these conditions make the summit area extremely dangerous for climbers.
“From the shelter, we can see ash and rock material continuously being ejected,” he said.
Authorities had imposed a climbing ban for approximately the past two weeks, Aldy noted. The restriction was communicated through media reports and posters along the access routes.
However, the hikers are suspected to have freely entered the climbing trail, Aldy said, as Mount Dukono does not have an official registration post.
Aldy believes the hikers intended to get a closer look at the crater.
Despite the increased volcanic activity, residents in nearby villages are reported to be safe, as the settlements are located relatively far from the crater.