Series of Earthquakes Rattle Indonesia: What to Know

By Hollie Silverman

Deputy Weekend Editor

ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

A series of earthquakes struck off Indonesia within 24 hours between Friday and Saturday, highlighting the seismic risks that persist in one of the world’s most geologically active regions.

The three earthquakes ranged in strength from a magnitude of 4.4 to 4.8, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquakes Map.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries and no tsunami warnings have been issued.

Why It Matters

Indonesia sits atop the “Ring of Fire,” a vast horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean recognized for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The country’s location places it above the confluence of multiple tectonic plates, including the Australian Plate and the Sunda Plate, contributing to regular seismic events.

Historically, major earthquakes in this region have led to catastrophic consequences, including devastating tsunamis, prompting global concern each time new activity is detected.

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What To Know

The USGS reported three significant earthquakes over a 24-hour period in the Banda Sea and the Gulf of Tomini.

The first struck Friday in the Banda Sea at a magnitude of 4.4 at a depth of 78 miles, while on Saturday, a second quake struck the sea, about 74 miles west of Tual at a depth of around 80 miles and a strength of 4.5 magnitude.

Further north, the third earthquake hit off the coast of Gorontalo about 72 miles south of land in the Gulf of Tomini. The third, also the strongest, reached a magnitude 4.8 and struck at a depth of 109 miles.

The quakes come just days after Indonesia’s Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java, erupted, the Associated Press reported. The eruption prompted evacuations as villages were covered with falling ash, and clouds of smoke and lava gas, Indonesia’s Geology Agency said in a statement.

Indonesia has a well-documented history of severe seismic events. Notably, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck off the northern coast of Sumatra in December 2004. That event, described as “one of the biggest that was ever measured on Earth,” triggered a devastating tsunami that resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure across multiple countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

The region also experienced multiple powerful quakes in 2007, including an 8.4 magnitude shock followed hours later by others measuring up to 7.9 in magnitude.

What People Are Saying

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said on its website: "Most earthquakes and volcanic eruptions do not strike randomly but occur in specific areas, such as along plate boundaries. One such area is the circum-Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate meets many surrounding tectonic plates. The Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world."

What Happens Next?

Authorities and monitoring agencies are expected to continue surveillance of aftershocks and assess any damage from the recent earthquakes.

Given Indonesia’s geologic setting and seismic history, disaster preparedness efforts remain critical for local communities. Regional and international earthquake and tsunami warning systems continue to play a vital role in protecting lives across Indonesia and the Indian Ocean basin.

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