BMKG detects 18 cm tsunami and Semeru volcano remains active

A selection of key news highlights from Tuesday (8/6):

1.) BMKG detects tsunami waves up to 18 cm in North Sulawesi and North Maluku

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has confirmed minor tsunami waves ranging from 9 to 18 centimetres following a magnitude 7.7 tectonic earthquake in the Celebes Sea. BMKG Deputy for Geophysics, Nelly Florida Riama, stated in a press conference in Jakarta on Monday that coastal areas in Ulu Siau and Melonguane (North Sulawesi), as well as a monitoring point in North Maluku, have detected these waves.

2.) Government prioritises free family planning services for Decile 1-2 families

The Minister of Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga) and Head of BKKBN, Wihaji, announced that free, simultaneous family planning (KB) services in 2026 will focus on low-income families, specifically those in Decile 1-2. During the launch of the Simultaneous KB Service in Jakarta on Monday, Wihaji emphasised that while independent citizens can access services, the priority remains for those in need, covering vasectomies, tubectomies, pills, injections, and implants.

3.) Government aligns 2027 Hajj preparations with Saudi Arabia’s timeline

The Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj), Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, stated that the government will adjust preparations for the 1448 Hijri/2027 AD Hajj season to align with the timeline provided by the Saudi Arabian government. Speaking at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Irfan confirmed that the official documents were received on 13 Dzulhijah.

4.) Tarakan City placed on alert following magnitude 7.7 earthquake

Tarakan City, North Kalimantan, has been placed on alert status following a magnitude 7.7 tectonic earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines, which occurred on Monday. The Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG, Wijayanto, noted that the earthquake’s epicentre was located off the southern coast of Mindanao.

5.) Semeru volcano activity dominated by eruptions and volcanic earthquakes

Activity at Mount Semeru, which stands at 3,676 metres above sea level, continues to be dominated by eruptions and volcanic earthquakes. According to a report from the Semeru Volcano Observation Post, 16 volcanic earthquakes with amplitudes of 13-22 mm and durations of 69-122 seconds were recorded between 06:00 and 12:00 WIB on Monday.