TWO earthquakes struck eastern Indonesia in the early hours of Sunday, affecting parts of Maluku and Southeast Sulawesi, with authorities confirming there were no reports of damage, casualties or tsunami risk.
According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the stronger of the two tremors measured magnitude 6.5 and struck off the coast of West Southwest Maluku Regency at 1.38am local time.
The quake’s epicentre was located approximately 48 kilometres north of the المنطقة at a depth of 141 kilometres beneath the seabed.
Moderate tremors were felt in Tiakur, the regional capital, though no structural damage was recorded.
In a separate incident, a smaller magnitude 2.6 earthquake occurred near Kolaka at 12.56am local time.
Officials said the tremor originated from movement along a nearby fault line, with its epicentre located about eight kilometres northwest of the town at a shallow depth of three kilometres.
Acting head of BMKG Region IV Makassar, Nasrol Adil, said the tremor was lightly felt in surrounding districts, including Latambaga and Kolaka.
“The tremor was felt by several people and noticeable indoors, similar to the sensation of heavy vehicles passing by,” he said, as reported by Antara News Agency.
Authorities are continuing to monitor seismic activity in both areas, although no immediate threats have been identified. - March 29, 2026
