Despite those warnings, many people continued visiting the volcano.
Indonesia’s disaster response agency said investigators are now examining whether tourism operators or guides may have acted negligently by allowing visitors to climb despite the official restrictions.
Experts say the tragedy highlights the growing danger of social media tourism, where dramatic videos and influencer content can create a false sense of safety around extremely dangerous natural sites.
Dr Daryono, from the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts, warned that active volcanoes should never be treated like ordinary tourist attractions.
“People often see successful climbs online and believe the danger is exaggerated,” he explained. “But volcanoes like Dukono can erupt violently at any moment without warning.”
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