The Makassar Strait and North Makassar Basin is the result of back-arc extension due to the subduction of a small tectonic slab to the east.[2] Rifting began in the Eocene, with high sedimentation rates filling the extension basin throughout the Eocene through Miocene. These Miocene basin sediments hold very large amounts of oil and natural gas deposits, especially in the hydrocarbon rich Kutei Basin.[citation needed]
The arrival of the Benggai Sula microplate has rotated the Island of Sulawesi in a counter-clockwise direction, allowing opening of the southern Makassar Basin with accommodation by the Adang/Paternoster Fault.[citation needed]
Gallery
Beras Basah Island in Makassar Strait, administrative part of Bontang.
USS Midway (CV-41) and other warships in Makassar Strait, 28 September 1985.
Offshore oil rig in Makassar Strait, 2005.
Aur island, administrative part of South Kalimantan.
KM Arista ship sunk in Makassar Strait, 10 June 2015.[3]