Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has officially lifted the early tsunami warning issued after a strong earthquake struck the waters near Pulau Batang Dua, Ternate, in North Maluku.
Although the warning has been canceled, the powerful tremors left many residents in a state of panic and lingering anxiety. The incident has once again underscored the critical importance of tsunami preparedness in Indonesia.
BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani explained that the earthquake was a shallow event triggered by subduction activity in the Maluku Sea. Analysis of the source mechanism revealed a thrust fault (sesar naik), which has the potential to cause vertical movement of the seafloor.
“Sea level rises were observed in several areas. For example, 0.30 meters in West Halmahera, 0.20 meters in Bitung, and up to 0.75 meters in North Minahasa,” Faisal stated, as quoted from the BMKG website on Saturday (4/4/2026).
BMKG Deputy for Geophysics Nelly Florida R. added that the quake was felt in three provinces: North Maluku, North Sulawesi, and Gorontalo.
“In Ternate City, the earthquake intensity reached V–VI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. This caused residents to panic and rush out of their homes. Several buildings suffered minor damage, such as fallen wall plaster and damage to factory chimneys,” she said.
Can Earthquakes Trigger Tsunamis?
Head of the Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari, explained that a subsequent aftershock at a depth of 62 kilometers did not pose a tsunami threat. However, the public is urged to remain vigilant for possible further aftershocks.
“Scientifically, tsunamis are generally triggered by underwater tectonic earthquakes. Usually, quakes with a magnitude above 6.5 have the potential to generate a tsunami — especially if they occur at sea and are accompanied by deformation of the seafloor,” Abdul said.
Important Tsunami Response Tips from BMKG
BMKG reminds the public to understand these simple but crucial mitigation steps:
- Earthquake Response If strong shaking lasts more than one minute, immediately move away from the coast and riverbanks, then seek official information.
- Warning Response When a siren or official warning is heard, evacuate immediately to higher ground. Do not return, even if the first wave has receded.
- Evacuation Preparedness Prepare a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, assembly points, and actively participate in disaster drills and simulations.
Local Wisdom as Tsunami Mitigation
Indonesia has valuable natural, culture-based early warning systems. One notable example is “Smong”, an oral tradition from the Simeulue community in Aceh.
Through the rhyme “Nandong Smong”, people are taught the signs of a tsunami: a strong earthquake, followed by receding seawater, then immediate evacuation to higher ground.
Simeulue cultural figure Muhammad Riswan Roesli noted that this collective memory proved life-saving during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
“The community acted as if they had received a command without any order. As soon as the strong quake hit and the sea receded, everyone immediately ran while shouting ‘Smong!’” he said, as reported by DW.com.
Riswan explained that this tradition has been passed down since the 1907 tsunami through bedtime stories and family teachings. As a result, while the 2004 tsunami caused around 230,000 deaths across Aceh, only about 3–5 people lost their lives in Simeulue. (aan/rhd)
