TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the Geologist Association of Indonesia (IAGI) Maluku, Herfien Samalehu, stated that the appearance of small island-like material above sea level in Teinaman Village, Tanimbar Islands Regency after the Maluku earthquake, was caused by pressure on the old oceanic plate/slab during subduction that dived into the earth's mantle.

"This can cause the blocks formed at medium depths to move and then result in an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 with a depth of 130 km," Herfien said Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

According to Herfien, the earthquake that occurred in the Tanimbar Islands Regency was a thrust type of earthquake, referred to as an upward fault from the subduction of the Banda Sea. This can be seen from the analysis of the location of the hypocenter and its depth.

The type of earthquake causes an increase or uplift as well as a decrease or subsidence on the sides. For example, several earthquake events such as the earthquake in Aceh and Nias where there was an uplift around Simeulue Island, but there were also blocks that dropped or subsided up to 1 meter along the coastline in Aceh. In addition, the earthquake in Lombok resulted in the phenomenon of the rising of the island by 25 cm which is seen from the indications of the satellite map which shows an increase from the surface. This phenomenon can occur after an earthquake which causes regional deformation.

"In this case, the rise in land in Teneman, Southwest Maluku district, is a block that has risen as a whole, in this case, it has no significant effect on the Tanimbar region," he said.

The impact of this earthquake did not cause collateral hazards in the form of massive-scale avalanches, ground motion accompanied by liquefaction and tsunamis. "We urge the public to remain calm and follow directions from the local BPBD or BMKG. Do not be provoked by untrustworthy issues regarding the earthquake and tsunami," he said.

In the Banda Sea and the area around the Tanimbar Islands, Southwest Maluku Regency is classified as prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. According to the records of the Geological Agency, tsunamis hit the area around the Banda Sea in 1629, 1852, 1938 and 1975.

KHAIRIYAH FITRI | IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERN)

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