ULUBELU, TANGGAMUS \u2014 a shallow earthquake measuring magnitude 2.4\nstruck Ulubelu, in Tanggamus Regency, on 2 May 2026 at 04:36 WIB. Data\nfrom the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) indicate\nthe quake originated on land in Ulubelu and was a shallow event.<\/p>\n
Bearing in mind, geologists say the tremor is a natural consequence\nof Sumatra\u2019s position on an active tectonic belt. Professor Ahmad\nZaenudin, a Professor of Near-Surface Geophysics Engineering at Lampung\nUniversity, explains that southern Sumatra is influenced by the\ninteraction of three major tectonic systems. The area is naturally\nactive, particularly due to the reactivation of faults after the Great\nLiwa earthquake in the past. \u201cIn such conditions, small earthquakes can\nhelp release accumulated pressure. There needs to be effective public\ncommunication to communities about the geological state of the region,\u201d\nZaenudin said in a statement on Tuesday (12 May 2026).<\/p>\n
Regarding public assumptions that link the quake to a geothermal\nproject in the area, Wahyu Wilopo, a Professor of Environmental Geology\nat Gadjah Mada University (UGM), provided a scientific clarification.\nUlubelu, he notes, is naturally prone to earthquakes because it lies\nalong the Sumatra Fault or the Semangko Fault. He concedes that, in\ntheory, geothermal activities such as fluid injection can trigger\ntremors. However, such tremors are typically very small (below magnitude\n3) and are rarely felt by residents. \u201cDevelopment of geothermal energy\nin Indonesia is tightly regulated through environmental assessments,\nreal-time seismic monitoring, and risk mitigation standards. The public\nis urged not to link earthquakes to geothermal projects without valid\nscientific evidence,\u201d Wahyu told Zoom reporters on Wednesday (13 May\n2026).<\/p>\n
Moreover, Wahyu emphasised that geothermal energy is a strategic\nsolution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. With a closed system,\nused fluids are reinjected into the reservoir to minimise environmental\npollution.<\/p>\n
Besides being environmentally friendly, geothermal projects also have\ntangible economic impacts for local communities through infrastructure\ndevelopment and CSR programmes. He cited Kamojang in West Java as a\nsuccessful example where the geothermal industry has coexisted\nharmoniously with local communities for decades. (Z-1)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/geology-expert-magnitude-2-4-earthquake-in-ulubelu-occurred-in-an-area-of-active-tectonics-1779545786", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }