M4.0 Earthquake Shakes Pangandaran from Southern Waters

Residents of Pangandaran and surrounding areas in West Java were jolted awake early Monday morning by a magnitude 4.0 earthquake originating from the southern waters. The tremors, which struck at 2:06 AM WIB on May 4, 2026, were felt across several districts, causing a brief but noticeable shaking.

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PERISTIWA gempa tektonik dengan magnitudo 4,0 dari perairan selatan mengguncang daerah Pangandaran dan sekitarnya.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) located the earthquake's epicenter at sea, approximately 66 kilometers southwest of Pangandaran, at a depth of 29 kilometers. This type of shallow earthquake is attributed to subduction activity, a common geological process in Indonesia's tectonically active region.

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Berdasarkan laporan dari masyarakat, guncangan gempa dirasakan di Kecamatan Manonjaya, Singaparna, Cikatomas, Sukarame di Tasikmalaya. Kemudian kecamatan Cimaragas, Banjaranyar, Banjarsari di Kabupaten Ciamis, serta Kecamatan Banjarwangi di Kabupaten Garut, dan Pangandaran.

While the earthquake's intensity was reported between II and III MMI – meaning it was felt by only a few people or perceived as a truck passing by – there have been no immediate reports of structural damage. This is a common occurrence for earthquakes of this magnitude in the region, which are frequent due to Indonesia's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

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“Hingga saat ini belum ada laporan mengenai kerusakan bangunan sebagai dampak gempa bumi tersebut,” kata Kepala BBMKG Wilayah II Tangerang Hartanto dalam keterangannya, Senin, 4 Mei 2026.

This event serves as a reminder of the geological realities of living in Indonesia. While the shaking may have been minor, the underlying tectonic forces are a constant presence. Our local news outlets, like Tempo, prioritize reporting these events factually, focusing on the scientific data provided by BMKG and the immediate impact on communities. Unlike some international coverage that might sensationalize seismic activity, our focus remains on providing clear, actionable information to our readers, emphasizing safety and preparedness without causing undue alarm. The resilience of our communities in facing such natural phenomena is a testament to our deep understanding of living with the earth's powerful forces.

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Pusat sumber gempa bumi terletak pada koordinat 8,25 derajat Lintang Selatan dan 108,25 derajat Bujur Timur. Tepatnya berlokasi di laut pada jarak 66 kilometer arah barat daya Kabupaten Pangandaran pada kedalaman 29 kilometer.