SINGAPORE – A week after the Mount Dukono tragedy, avid mountaineer Andyn Kadir was up on Mount Batur, an active volcano in Bali, to take part in a trail run held between May 15 and 17.
The 41-year-old was running in the BTR Ultra race, which offered competitors trail options of between 7km and 100km.
In recent years, he has climbed active Indonesian volcanoes Mount Raung in Java and Mount Rinjani in Lombok. He has also trekked up Ama Dablam in eastern Nepal and Kang Yatse in the Indian Himalayas.
He said he would not scale a mountain if the authorities have imposed a climbing ban.
“Knowing that the authorities have cleared Mount Batur for the race, despite it being an active volcano, I will climb it with other trekkers and hikers,” said Mr Andyn, adding that he is aware that there are contingency plans.
Race organisers have said on their website that they will evacuate people in extreme cases of injury, sudden illness or severe weather conditions, and added that they are monitoring seismic activity via Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
Mr A. Rahim 35, is also keeping to his plans to scale the 3,700m Mount Rinjani by end-2026.
Mr Andyn Kadir and his wife on Mount Rinjani in Lombok.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANDYN KADIR
Mr Rahim said that unless there is an outright ban on climbing, he will proceed with his plans.
“With all the preparation and training I’ve invested, I feel it’s a waste if I bail out on the trip just because Mount Dukono erupted.
“I would still carry on with the climb and ignore the Indonesian authorities if they’ve issued only a warning.”
Both climbers said they are aware of the tragedy that unfolded on May 8 at Mount Dukono on Halmahera island in North Maluku, Indonesia.
A group of 20 climbers, including nine Singaporeans, were at the rim of the active volcano when it erupted.
Singaporeans Shahin Muhrez Abdul Hamid and Timothy Heng, and Indonesian Angel Krishela Pradita, were killed on that day.
The Indonesian authorities had imposed a ban on climbing activities at Mount Dukono on April 17.
Mr Pritam Singh from Singapore tour operator Mountain Adventure Travels said some Singaporeans choose to ascend volcanoes to fulfil their bucket list.
