BMKG Warns Bogor is Disaster-Prone, Notes Rising Trend in Seismic Activity

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded a rising trend in earthquake activity in the Bogor area, prompting calls for heightened public awareness and disaster preparedness. BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani stated that Bogor Regency is one of the regions with a high level of earthquake vulnerability due to its proximity to active land faults. Throughout 2025, the agency recorded 99 seismic events in Bogor and its surroundings, 10 of which were felt by residents. Faisal noted that historical data shows an increasing trend in seismic activity, recalling that a magnitude 4.8 earthquake in 2012 caused damage to hundreds of homes. He also highlighted a devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake in 1834 that caused widespread destruction, including to the Bogor Palace. To bolster preparedness, the BMKG is conducting Earthquake Field Schools (SLG), most recently at a vocational school in Leuwiliang, Bogor Regency. The programme aims to educate local governments, disaster agencies, and the public on early warning systems and self-rescue procedures. BMKG has installed 29 geophysical monitoring devices in the area to support mitigation efforts. Member of Parliament Marlyn Maisarah stressed that disaster preparedness must be proactive and continuous, extending beyond schools to government offices and community groups.