Maluku's 7.9M Earthquake, Transport Ministry Ensures Port Facilities are Still Safe

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation ensured that the facilities and infrastructure on Maluku port were in good condition and safe after being shaken by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, January 10, 2023.

Besides the port, the Director General of Sea Transportation, Arif Toha, explained that the aid to navigation (SBNP) or a buoy was also in good condition. "After the earthquake, based on reports received from the heads of the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) in the Maluku region, the ports and SBNP in Maluku are in good condition and safe," said Arif in a written statement, Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

Arif requested his staff that operated in the location affected by the earthquake to remain vigilant for aftershocks that could occur at any time. He was also instructed to continue supervising and checking for any damage at the port.

"I request that all of UPT in Maluku remain alert in the future. Besides that, they must be ready to assist if the port facilities are needed for evacuation or distribution of aid," said Arif.

Currently, He said, sea transportation services are running normally, but officers must remain vigilant and prioritize safety in voyaging. Arif further requested that the heads of UPT in the Maluku region be able to inform the latest conditions regularly and coordinate with relevant stakeholders so that they can stir swiftly and anticipate undesirable situations.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 Richter shook Maluku on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 00:47 WIB (Western Indonesian Time). The BMKG issued an early warning for a tsunami. Based on temporary data, the epicenter was at 7.25 South Latitude, 130.18 East Longitude or 148 km northwest of Southeast Maluku at a depth of 131 km.

The BMKG still has not stated the cause of the earthquake. However, the tremor was felt in the Saumlaki area with an intensity of V MMI. Many residents were awakened by objects falling in their houses and street poles swaying.

Earthquakes also occur in the Dobo and Tiakur areas with the intensity of IV MMI. Areas of Sorong, Kaimana, Alor, Waingapu, Waijelu, and Lembata experience quakes with III-IV MMI intensity. The earthquake was felt by many people residing in their houses, some felt it while they were outside. 

An earthquake with II-III MMI intensity was felt in Merauke, Nabire, Tanah Merah, Wamena, Bakunase, Kolhua, Sabu, Rote, Ende, South Amarasi and Kupang. In Ambon and Piru with intensity II MMI. Many went online and commented on the news from the official BMKG account. Among them stated the earthquake reached Kupang, Sorong, Timika, Merauke and NTT.

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI | MARIA FRANCISCA LAHUR | IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERN)

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