Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake in Malang, BMKG Confirms No Tsunami Potential

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has confirmed that a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 that shook the Malang Regency area of East Java on Tuesday evening (28/7/2026) did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

Head of the BMKG Malang Geophysics Station, Ricko Kardoso, explained that the earthquake occurred at 20.29 WIB. Based on analysis, the epicentre was located at coordinates 9.023 degrees South latitude and 112.82167 degrees East longitude, precisely in the sea at a distance of 102 kilometres southeast of Malang Regency, with a depth of 22 kilometres.

“(The earthquake) has no tsunami potential,” Ricko stressed in Malang on Tuesday evening.

He explained that considering the location of the epicentre and the depth of the hypocenter, this event was a type of shallow earthquake. The trigger was active fault activity beneath the sea.

The tremors were not only felt in Malang but also extended to several neighbouring areas such as Blitar, Lumajang, and Jember. The shaking intensity was reported at scale II-III MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity).

“Scale II-III Mercalli (MMI), the vibration felt like a passing truck,” Ricko added.

As of 20.41 WIB, monitoring results from the Malang Geophysics Station showed no aftershock activity at the same location. So far, the BMKG has also not received any reports of building damage resulting from the tremors.

Despite this, the BMKG appealed to the public to remain vigilant and check their respective building conditions to ensure there is no structural damage that could endanger the structure. The public was also asked to only trust official information from BMKG communication channels.

“The public should remain calm and not be influenced by issues whose truth cannot be accounted for,” he said.

Separately, the Head of Emergency and Logistics at the Malang Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Sadono Irawan, confirmed that officers in the field were conducting checks in the affected areas.

“With a scale of II-III MMI, there should be no damage, but this is being checked to determine the current conditions,” said Sadono.