A reckless hiker posed for a selfie as a volcano erupted behind him in Indonesia.

Echa Thawil was exploring the northern Halmahera Island with friends when Dukono Volcano began rumbling and released an ash cloud on January 31.

Footage shows the bottom of the crater as the body of land rumbled seconds before the eruption in North Maluku.

When a large column shot up the sky, Echa smiled for the camera and raised both fists triumphantly.

His group hid behind a ridge with a clear view of the volcanic activity.

When the winds blew stronger, Echa covered his nose with his shirt to keep from inhaling ash.

Echa said: 'We didn't know the volcano would start erupting. It was just a normal hike. But I took the opportunity to capture a selfie video with the help of my friend.

'It was a little bit nervous but it was a definitely an adrenaline buzz. None of us were hurt.'

Dukono is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes known for frequent eruptions, often sending ash plumes high into the atmosphere. It is located on Halmahera Island and has erupted continuously since the 1930s.

Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone of high seismic and volcanic activity that encircles the Pacific Ocean.