Latest Earthquake in Indonesia: The Facts and Warning System

Not only extreme weather, that causes chaotic disasters. The movement of tectonic plates also causes tremors and triggers earthquakes. Several areas in Indonesia have a threatening condition because located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The latest earthquake in Indonesia is located 97 km southwest of Agam Regency, West Sumatra.

The Facts of the Latest Earthquake in Indonesia

Not only hit by hydrometeorological disasters, but Indonesia is also hit by earthquakes as natural disasters. There are many cases of earthquakes in Indonesia because of its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The risk is so high due to the movement of tectonic plates. Here are the facts regarding the earthquake in Agam Regency.

1. A Shallow Earthquake

An earthquake struck Agam Regency on February 16^th, 2026. Its epicenter’s depth is 48 km, so it is categorized as a shallow earthquake. It causes the light to moderate damage, depending on the magnitude and geological conditions of the disaster location. The tremors are stronger at the surface. The stabilization in several cities in Indonesia is disturbed by the chaotic disaster.

2. A Part of Tectonic Dynamics

Earthquakes occur due to plate movement. Therefore, areas of actively moving plates are more likely to cause earthquakes. The Indo-Australian and the Eurasian are the two active plates that are involved in the case of an earthquake in Agam Regency. A megathrust subduction zone offshore is caused by this collision.

Over time, the pressure between the plates spreads to the land and activates active faults, particularly the Sianok Fault in the Agam and Bukittinggi areas. The Sianok Fault frequently triggers shallow earthquakes, thus increasing the threat of earthquakes.

3. No Potential for Tsunami

As terrible natural disasters, earthquakes can trigger tsunamis in certain conditions. A tsunami is a high and powerful water wave that reaches land tens of kilometers away. The shallow earthquake that struck Agam Regency didn’t trigger a tsunami, so safety remains assured. This was the conclusion of an analysis by relevant parties.

4. An Aftershock Earthquake

An earthquake in Agam Regency of the latest earthquakes, had a magnitude of 5.2. Depending on its strength, it is larger than the previous one. Because the second earthquake is larger, the first earthquake is called a foreshock. The increase in magnitude becomes a serious threat that needs further attention and monitoring.

The Risk Mitigation Programs

The latest earthquake in Indonesia can provide valuable lessons. This active signal must be responded to quickly. For future improvements, earthquake risk mitigation programs, including prevention, are highly feasible.

1. Outreach and Simulation

The reduction of earthquake risk is effective with educational programs. The potential for a major earthquake can be offset by prevention through outreach and simulations. These two educational programs provide knowledge about earthquakes and, practical understanding of how to evacuate. Relevant parties must routinely and sustainably implement these programs.

2. Optimize Earthquake Warning System

Accurate observation, analysis, and prediction are important to prevent the risk of future earthquakes. This can be achieved through an effective warning system. An earthquake warning system consists of early warnings and evacuation alerts, providing the public with both danger signals and evacuation guidance.

The government must immediately optimize the installation of the warning system and ensure proper operation. Monitoring and detection technology must also be ensured, as they are the basis for issuing warning signals.

3. Strengthening Coordination

Strengthening coordination is a key to successful collaboration. The West Sumatra Government must initiate solid coordination between the local government and related parties. The local government is also connected to the central government as a national policy holder. This coordination can accelerate evacuation and post-disaster recovery. Communities and volunteers are also related parties.

The latest earthquake in Indonesia that hit Agam Regency was an aftershock. Knowing this high potential disaster, West Sumatra needs to be equipped with supporting facilities. An adequate and widespread earthquake warning system will protect the public from the threat of disaster, which can occur at any time.

In addition to alarms or sirens, warning signals in the form of emergency messages are very effective in providing comprehensive information to the public about early warnings and evacuation warnings. An emergency message-sending machine based on SMS (Short Message Service) is now available, eliminating the need for an internet signal.

Complete information can be sent in real time to mobile phones. The range of this machine is wide, from 500 m to 2 km, for all operators. This specific machine can be obtained by the government at smsbroadcaster.com.