BMKG: Tarakan Becomes The Area With The Highest Earthquake Activity In Kalimantan

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) noted that Tarakan City, North Kalimantan, is the area with the highest earthquake activity on the island of Kalimantan based on seismic records since the early 20th century.

BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis Daryono said historical data showed that Tarakan was repeatedly shaken by a significant force earthquake, although in general Kalimantan was classified as an area with a low seismicity rate compared to other regions in Indonesia.

"Kalimantan is not an earthquake-free area and the potential for destructive earthquakes remains, although seismic activity is lower than other areas such as Sumatra, Java, or Sulawesi. From the results of historical data analysis, Tarakan became the most active earthquake area in Kalimantan," Daryono said in Jakarta, Antara, Friday, November 7.

Based on the BMKG Earthquake Catalog, Tarakan was recorded to have experienced a number of major earthquakes in 1923, 1925, 1936, 2015, and 2025 with a magnitude of between 4.8 and 7.0. Some of them caused moderate to severe damage to residents' homes, public facilities, and triggered soil fractures in coastal areas.

Apart from Tarakan, a number of other areas in Kalimantan have also been rocked by significant earthquakes, such as Sangkulirang (East Kalimantan, 1921) accompanied by tsunamis, Sea Island (South Kalimantan, 2008), and Banjar (South Kalimantan, 2024) due to the activities of the Meratus Fault.

The Tarakan earthquake on November 5, 2025 with a magnitude of 4.8 caused real damage. This shows that shallow earthquakes near settlements have the potential to be destructive," he said.

Daryono explained, although the intensity of shocks in Kalimantan is relatively rare, the activities of the Tarakan Fault, Maratua Fault, and Meratus Fault are now the focus of BMKG monitoring.

The agency is also strengthening seismic monitoring networks in North Kalimantan and East Kalimantan as part of efforts to support the development of strategic infrastructure and disaster mitigation in the region, including the Nusantara Capital (IKN) area.

The series of earthquakes since 1923 has now become an important note for mitigation. Building quality is still the main factor that determines the magnitude of the impact. BMKG advised the public to ensure that shock-resistant buildings are in accordance with earthquake-resistant building standards. Public education is the key to building a disaster-aware culture," said Daryono.