BMKG Deploys Expert Team to Assess Impact of 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake in North Maluku
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has deployed a specialist team to North Maluku and North Sulawesi following a powerful 7.6‑magnitude earthquake that struck the region. The team will map damage, monitor aftershocks, and assess structural vulnerabilities to support public safety measures. According to information released by BMKG and reported by Antara News, the effort combines field surveys and enhanced seismic monitoring to better understand the scale and ongoing risks of the event.
Field Surveys to Map Damage and Seismic Activity
Acting Director of Earthquake and Tsunami at BMKG, Rahmat Triyono, said the deployed team will conduct both macroseismic and microseismic surveys across affected areas. These activities are designed to document the distribution of damage while also tracking ongoing seismic movement following the initial quake.
Macroseismic mapping focuses on assessing how widely buildings and infrastructure have been affected. Microseismic mapping, by contrast, concentrates on identifying and analysing smaller aftershocks that follow a major seismic event. Together, the data provides authorities with a clearer picture of how the earthquake impacted communities and what risks may remain.
To strengthen monitoring capabilities, BMKG will install portable seismographs at several locations in North Maluku. These instruments will capture detailed microearthquake data, helping researchers analyse patterns in aftershock activity and estimate when seismic activity may subside.
Aftershock Monitoring and Public Safety Measures
As of 9:50 local time following the earthquake, BMKG had recorded 48 aftershocks in North Maluku and North Sulawesi, with the strongest measuring magnitude 5.5. While smaller tremors do not always cause major damage, officials say they remain important indicators for understanding ongoing geological processes.
The main earthquake occurred at sea about 129 kilometres southeast of Bitung, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 33 kilometres. Strong shaking was reported in Ternate, the Tidore Islands, and West Halmahera, causing panic among residents, particularly in coastal communities.
Fakhri, Acting Director of Engineering Seismology and Geopotential at BMKG, urged residents to remain cautious when returning to buildings that may have been affected by the quake. He advised the public not to enter structures that show visible cracks or damage until inspections confirm they are safe.
Data and Monitoring in Indonesia’s Disaster Preparedness
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making seismic monitoring a critical part of the country’s disaster preparedness strategy. Agencies such as BMKG rely on continuous data collection and analysis to support early warning systems and guide emergency response planning.
These efforts form part of a wider national push to strengthen digital and technological capabilities across sectors. Initiatives supporting data infrastructure and connectivity—such as those discussed in Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen payment systems for digital growth—reflect a broader emphasis on resilient digital systems that can support public services, including disaster monitoring.
At the same time, policymakers continue to address wider social impacts linked to technology and public safety, including issues explored in Indonesia’s work to balance screen time and child well‑being. Together, these initiatives highlight how digital governance and data-driven systems are increasingly embedded in the country’s public-sector planning.
