West Java logs 97 earthquakes in January, authorities warn of ongoing seismic risk near Bandung

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 97 earthquakes across West Java Province throughout January 2026, underscoring the region’s persistent exposure to seismic and weather-related hazards.

Data released by the BMKG Bandung Station show that most of the earthquakes were relatively minor and occurred at shallow depths, though authorities continue to warn residents to remain vigilant due to the presence of active fault systems near densely populated areas, including the Bandung metropolitan region.

Mostly Shallow Quakes Recorded

According to Teguh Rahayu, Head of the BMKG Bandung Station, 80 of the recorded earthquakes were shallow events occurring at depths of less than 60 kilometres.

Another 16 quakes were categorised as intermediate-depth events, occurring between 60 and 300 kilometres below the surface, while one earthquake was classified as deep, originating at more than 300 kilometres underground.

Overall, hypocentre depths ranged from just 2 kilometres to 319 kilometres.

“In terms of magnitude, the largest earthquake recorded during the month reached magnitude 3.8, while the smallest measured magnitude 1.3,” Teguh said in an official statement on Sunday, 1 February.

The majority of the quakes originated offshore. Sixty-two events were centred in the waters south of Java Island, a region influenced by the complex interaction between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Meanwhile, 35 earthquakes originated on land within West Java.

Two Earthquakes Felt by Residents

Although most events were too weak or too deep to be noticed, two earthquakes were felt by residents during the month.

One notable tremor struck in the early hours of Friday, 30 January, at 05:13 Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

BMKG located the epicentre at approximately 14 kilometres east of Bandung City at coordinates 6.88° South Latitude and 107.79° East Longitude, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres.

The quake measured magnitude 2.7 and originated on land, prompting BMKG to classify it as a shallow earthquake triggered by movement along an active fault.

Tremors were felt in several districts, including Sukasari, Tanjungsari, Cileunyi, Cilengkrang, Cimenyan, Lembang and Ujungberung.

Shaking intensity reached levels II to III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, meaning vibrations were noticeable indoors, hanging objects swayed, and the sensation resembled the passing of a heavy vehicle.

BMKG reported that no aftershocks were detected up to monitoring conducted at 05:46 WIB the same morning.

Despite the relatively small magnitude, the event reminded residents of Bandung’s proximity to active geological structures.

Surge in Lightning Activity

Beyond seismic activity, West Java also experienced intense lightning activity throughout January.

BMKG recorded a total of 225,739 lightning strikes across the province during the month.

The highest activity occurred on 29 January, when 43,525 strikes were registered in a single day. In contrast, only two lightning strikes were recorded on 25 January, marking the lowest daily count.

The regencies of Sumedang, Majalengka and Kuningan experienced the highest concentration of lightning events.

The agency advised residents to remain cautious during storms and to avoid exposure in open areas when lightning risk is high.

Public Urged to Remain Calm and Verify Information

BMKG officials have urged the public not to panic or spread unverified information following seismic events.

Residents are also advised to avoid entering buildings that show structural damage or cracks after earthquakes, even when tremors appear minor.

Authorities emphasise that preparedness and calm responses are essential in reducing risks in disaster-prone areas.

Lembang Fault Remains a Major Concern

The Bandung metropolitan area and neighbouring regencies remain vulnerable due to the presence of the Lembang Fault, an active geological fault system running approximately 29 kilometres from Padalarang in West Bandung Regency to Cimenyan near the slopes of Mount Tangkuban Parahu.

Scientists regard the fault as an active tectonic structure rather than a dormant feature.

Studies by government research institutions estimate the fault shifts roughly four millimetres annually, accumulating strain that could eventually be released in a larger earthquake.

West Java Regional Secretary Herman Suryatman said provincial authorities have coordinated with national research and disaster management agencies to anticipate possible impacts.

“West Java is one of Indonesia’s most disaster-prone provinces, including earthquake risk. One of the triggers we continue to monitor is the Lembang Fault,” he said on Saturday, 31 January.

Based on modelling by BMKG and national research agencies, a potential rupture could produce an earthquake with magnitude between 6.8 and 7.

Such an event could affect several areas, including Bandung City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency, Cimahi City, as well as parts of Purwakarta, Subang and Sumedang regencies.

“We hope such a disaster never occurs, but preparedness remains essential,” Herman said, noting that emergency coordination efforts have been strengthened.

Early Warning and Building Safety Key Priorities

BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani said the agency will continue to intensify monitoring along the Lembang Fault and improve coordination with disaster management agencies and local governments.

He emphasised efforts to enhance early warning systems so residents can receive alerts before stronger shaking reaches populated areas.

Faisal also stressed the importance of earthquake-resistant construction, especially in high-risk zones.

“Construction costs may be higher in earthquake-prone areas because buildings must comply with national seismic standards and use stronger foundations.

However, this allows communities to continue living and working safely while minimising damage to infrastructure such as electricity and utilities,” he explained.