This is the terrifying moment a group of hikers who ignored warning signs fled in panic as the Mount Dukono volcano erupted in Indonesia.

Footage captures the tourists scrambling down from the volcano's peak, which was spewing large plumes of ash in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku province, on Saturday, August 17.

Abdul Muhari, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, confirmed that no recommendations were issued for activities near the volcano, including climbers approaching within a 3-kilometre radius of the crater.

He added: 'The volcanic authorities identified the presence of climbers without permits in a dangerous area in the Mount Dukono area on Saturday.'

Officials confirmed that all individuals escaped safely, and no injuries were reported.

The head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, Priatin Hadi Wijaya, said: 'The general public is advised not to climb or visit Mount Dukono as volcanic activity is still high at the moment.'

Mount Dukono is currently on a Level II alert and is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. The region, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is known for its significant volcanic activity, with several active volcanoes posing risks to nearby communities.