NORTH MALUKU – Mount Ibu in West Halmahera Regency experienced another increase in volcanic activity marked by an eruption on Wednesday (15/01/2025). This eruption triggered the evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas and raised various challenges for survivors. Responding to this situation, Dompet Dhuafa’ s Disaster Management Center (DMC) moved quickly by opening a Warm Post to help meet the basic needs of affected residents.
The Warm Post established by DMC Dompet Dhuafa began operating on Saturday (01/19/2025). The location is at the Old Church, Tongute Sungi Village, Ibu District, West Halmahera Regency, which is also one of the evacuation points. In an effort to provide the best service, the Warm Post provides snacks and warm drinks for displaced survivors.
Nirwana, Dompet Dhuafa DMC Volunteer who was at the location, said that this service had reached approximately 60 survivors who were in the evacuation camp.
“In addition to providing Warm Post, we also conducted an assessment to find out the urgent needs of the survivors. From the results of the assessment, currently the most urgent needs include hygiene kits and baby diapers,” explained Nirwana.
Currently, there are two main evacuation sites in Ibu Sub-district, namely the Old Church, Tongute Sungi Village, and Akesibu Church, Akesibu Village. These two points accommodate people who have been forced to leave their homes due to the threat from Mount Ibu’s activities.
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Meanwhile, launching Kompas.com, Mount Ibu again showed significant eruptive activity on Sunday (01/19/2025). This time the eruption was accompanied by a strong rumbling sound. In the last six-hour period on that day, 17 eruptions were recorded. The ash column was observed to reach a height of up to 1,500 meters above the peak or around 2,825 meters above sea level (masl).
Rivaldi Hasan, an officer at the Mount Ibu Observation Post, explained that this condition shows a significant increase in volcanic activity. He urged people living around Mount Ibu to remain vigilant and comply with the authorities’ directives. He urged people not to engage in activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the active crater, as well as a sectoral expansion of 6 kilometers towards the crater opening in the north.
Furthermore, Rivaldi also warned the public to protect themselves in case of ashfall. If there is ash rain, he advised people who do activities outside to use nose, mouth and eye protection to avoid the adverse effects of volcanic ash.
Along with the increasing volcanic activity of Mount Ibu, the volcano’s status has been raised to alert or Level IV. This indicates that the potential danger of eruption is getting higher, and further anticipatory measures are needed.
The Government of West Halmahera Regency has declared the Mother Volcano Eruption Disaster Emergency Response Status valid for 14 days, from January 15 to 28, 2025. This step was taken to ensure public safety and support ongoing disaster mitigation efforts.

In the midst of this difficult situation, DMC Dompet Dhuafa invites the public to contribute, both through prayer and material support, to help survivors.
“Friends, let’s pray for the safety of the survivors and volunteers who work relentlessly in the field. May Allah grant them safety,” exclaimed Nirwana.
Through the spirit of solidarity and mutual care, Dompet Dhuafa DMC emphasizes its commitment to continue to be present for disaster-affected communities. With the slogan Because Earth is Only One, Empower Now, DMC hopes that this effort can ease the burden on the survivors and help them get through difficult times better.
Hopefully all of these efforts will become real steps to provide hope and support to those in need. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar, Muhammad Afriza Ardha
Editor: Dhika