Geology Expert: Magnitude-2.4 Earthquake in Ulubelu Occurred in an Area of Active Tectonics

ULUBELU, TANGGAMUS — a shallow earthquake measuring magnitude 2.4 struck Ulubelu, in Tanggamus Regency, on 2 May 2026 at 04:36 WIB. Data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) indicate the quake originated on land in Ulubelu and was a shallow event.

Bearing in mind, geologists say the tremor is a natural consequence of Sumatra’s position on an active tectonic belt. Professor Ahmad Zaenudin, a Professor of Near-Surface Geophysics Engineering at Lampung University, explains that southern Sumatra is influenced by the interaction of three major tectonic systems. The area is naturally active, particularly due to the reactivation of faults after the Great Liwa earthquake in the past. “In such conditions, small earthquakes can help release accumulated pressure. There needs to be effective public communication to communities about the geological state of the region,” Zaenudin said in a statement on Tuesday (12 May 2026).

Regarding public assumptions that link the quake to a geothermal project in the area, Wahyu Wilopo, a Professor of Environmental Geology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), provided a scientific clarification. Ulubelu, he notes, is naturally prone to earthquakes because it lies along the Sumatra Fault or the Semangko Fault. He concedes that, in theory, geothermal activities such as fluid injection can trigger tremors. However, such tremors are typically very small (below magnitude 3) and are rarely felt by residents. “Development of geothermal energy in Indonesia is tightly regulated through environmental assessments, real-time seismic monitoring, and risk mitigation standards. The public is urged not to link earthquakes to geothermal projects without valid scientific evidence,” Wahyu told Zoom reporters on Wednesday (13 May 2026).

Moreover, Wahyu emphasised that geothermal energy is a strategic solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. With a closed system, used fluids are reinjected into the reservoir to minimise environmental pollution.

Besides being environmentally friendly, geothermal projects also have tangible economic impacts for local communities through infrastructure development and CSR programmes. He cited Kamojang in West Java as a successful example where the geothermal industry has coexisted harmoniously with local communities for decades. (Z-1)