M5.7 Earthquake Strikes Near Bitung, North Sulawesi

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck 125 kilometers southeast of Bitung, North Sulawesi, on May 26, 2026.

According to the Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG), the seismic event occurred at 03:39:21 WIB. The earthquake originated at a depth of 22 kilometers.

Previous Activity in the Maluku Sea

This event follows another significant earthquake in the same general region on May 22, 2026. That earthquake, which occurred at 08:05:09 WIB, was initially recorded as magnitude 5.8, though BMKG later updated the parameter to magnitude 5.9.

The May 22 earthquake was centered in the Maluku Sea at a depth of 38 kilometers, located approximately 117 to 124 kilometers southeast of Bitung, North Sulawesi. BMKG identified the event as a shallow tectonic earthquake resulting from rock deformation within the Maluku Sea Plate.

Analysis of the source mechanism indicated that the May 22 quake was characterized by an oblique thrust movement. BMKG confirmed that this event did not have the potential to trigger a tsunami.

The May 22 earthquake was felt across several areas with varying intensities. In Batang Dua, the intensity was measured at III-IV MMI, which is typically felt by many people inside buildings during the day. In other locations, including Manado, Tidore, Sofifi, and Halmahera Barat, the intensity was measured at II-III MMI, described as vibrations felt inside buildings similar to a passing truck.

Regional Seismic Trends

The activity near Bitung is part of a broader series of magnitude 5.0 or greater earthquakes recorded across Indonesia throughout May 2026. BMKG data indicates multiple significant events in various provinces during this period.

On May 25, 2026, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred at a depth of 136 kilometers, centered 115 kilometers northeast of Maluku Barat Daya. This was followed by a magnitude 5.3 earthquake on May 23, 2026, located 45 kilometers southwest of Bengkulu Selatan at a depth of 17 kilometers.

Other notable seismic activity in May included:

• May 21, 2026: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake at a depth of 137 kilometers, 231 kilometers northwest of Tanimbar.
• May 20, 2026: A magnitude 5.2 earthquake at a depth of 12 kilometers, 65 kilometers northeast of Kota Bima, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
• May 15, 2026: A magnitude 6.7 earthquake at a depth of 163 kilometers, 224 kilometers northwest of Tanimbar.

Following the events in North Sulawesi, BMKG has advised the public to remain cautious of potential aftershocks.

Official information and updates are disseminated by BMKG through its verified communication channels, including its website at http://www.bmkg.go.id, and inatews.bmkg.go.id, as well as its official Instagram and Twitter accounts (@infoBMKG).