Aftershocks Continue in North Kalimantan as Moderate Earthquake Hits Tarakan
Reporter
November 8, 2025 | 08:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A moderate earthquake rattled Tarakan in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, marking the latest tremor following a stronger quake last Wednesday.
Today’s earthquake was felt with an intensity of IV-V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale in Tarakan, while surrounding areas experienced weaker shaking.
According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), tremors reached III-IV MMI in Tanjung Selor and Tana Tidung, and II-III MMI in Tanjung Redep and Nunukan.
The quake occurred at 03:56 PM WIB (Western Indonesia Time) with a magnitude of 4.4, slightly lower than last Wednesday’s M4.8 tremor.
BMKG reported that the epicenter was located offshore, approximately 9 kilometers southeast of Tarakan, compared to 24 kilometers last week. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, caused by the activity of the Sesar Tarakan fault.
“This earthquake is an aftershock of last Wednesday’s main quake,” said Rasmid, Head of the Balikpapan Geophysical Station.
“As of 04:30 PM WIB today, BMKG has recorded eight aftershocks following the main earthquake.”
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid damaged buildings. “Check that your homes are structurally sound before returning indoors. Any cracks or damage caused by previous tremors could affect building stability,” Rasmid advised.
Daryono, Director of Earthquake and Tsunami at BMKG, emphasized that Kalimantan is not free from seismic activity.
“While Kalimantan has lower seismic activity compared to regions like Sumatra, Java, or Sulawesi, destructive earthquakes remain a possibility,” he said.
Historical records show significant quakes in Tarakan in 1923, 1925, 1936, and 2025, all linked to the active Sesar Tarakan fault in northern Kalimantan.
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