A Magnitude 4.6 earthquake rocked Sukabumi Regency on Sunday evening, May 17, at 10:15 PM Western Indonesia Time (WIB). The tremors were widely felt across regions including Ciwidey, Palabuhan Ratu, and as far as Cianjur.
The Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) provided details on the seismic event. They reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 7.53 South Latitude and 106.72 East Longitude. This places it precisely in the sea, approximately 63 kilometers southeast of Sukabumi Regency, West Java, at a depth of 25 kilometers.
According to the official BMKG website, the initial tremor registered an Intensity Scale II MMI in several areas. These included Palabuhan Ratu, Cisolok, Cibadak, Cisaat, Cidahu, Cicantayan, Nagrak, Ciwidey, Nyalindung, Lengkong, Parungkuda, Caringin, Sukabumi City, and Cianjur. At this intensity, vibrations are typically felt by a few people, and light hanging objects may sway noticeably.
Meanwhile, the earthquake was felt more strongly in Cidolog, Cidadap, Pabuaran, Surade, Ciracap, Ciemas, and Jampang Kulon, where it registered an Intensity Scale III MMI. This indicates that the vibrations were clearly felt indoors, often described as a sensation akin to a heavy truck passing by.
As of now, there have been no immediate reports of damage caused by the earthquake. Nevertheless, residents are strongly urged to maintain vigilance for any potential aftershocks that might occur in the coming hours or days.
Subsequently, BMKG Bandung confirmed another seismic event in the Sukabumi area on Monday, May 18, at 4:00 AM WIB, with a magnitude of 3.0. This aftershock’s epicenter was located at 7.84 South Latitude and 106.96 East Longitude, approximately 103 kilometers southeast of Sukabumi Regency, West Java, at a depth of 24 kilometers.
Other Seismic Activities Across Indonesia
Referencing the BMKG‘s official X account (@Infobmkg), several other regions across Indonesia also experienced seismic activity on the same day, May 18. These included:
- Papua: A Magnitude 5.2 earthquake at 05:58 AM WIB. Its epicenter was at 6.55 South Latitude and 147.64 East Longitude, approximately 815 km southeast of Bovendigoel, Papua, with a depth of 40 km.
- Papua: A Magnitude 4.2 earthquake at 05:34 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 4.64 South Latitude and 140.30 East Longitude, 25 km southwest of Pegunungan Bintang, Papua, at a depth of 10 km.
- Papua: A Magnitude 3.4 earthquake at 05:38 AM WIB. The epicenter was located at 1.58 South Latitude and 138.41 East Longitude, 88 km northeast of Central Mamberamo, Papua, with a depth of 15 km.
- North Sulawesi: A Magnitude 3.4 earthquake at 06:48 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 1.20 North Latitude and 126.19 East Longitude, 121 km southeast of Bitung, North Sulawesi, at a depth of 10 km.
- North Maluku: A Magnitude 3.0 earthquake at 05:08 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 1.69 North Latitude and 129.25 East Longitude, 94 km northeast of East Halmahera, North Maluku, with a depth of 107 km.
- North Maluku: A Magnitude 3.0 earthquake at 06:56 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 1.31 North Latitude and 126.36 East Longitude, 126 km northwest of Jailolo, North Maluku, at a depth of 10 km.
- North Maluku: A Magnitude 2.9 earthquake at 05:08 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 2.75 North Latitude and 128.22 East Longitude, 78 km northwest of Daruba, North Maluku, at a depth of 147 km.
- North Maluku: A Magnitude 2.5 earthquake at 04:54 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 1.20 North Latitude and 126.83 East Longitude, 72 km northwest of Jailolo, North Maluku, with a depth of 63 km.
- West Nusa Tenggara (NTB): A Magnitude 2.5 earthquake at 05:42 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 9.49 South Latitude and 117.18 East Longitude, 89 km southeast of West Sumbawa, NTB, at a depth of 40 km.
- Lampung: A Magnitude 2.5 earthquake at 00:10 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 5.35 South Latitude and 103.45 East Longitude, 56 km southwest of West Pesisir, Lampung, with a depth of 27 km.
- Gorontalo: A Magnitude 2.3 earthquake at 05:34 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 0.68 North Latitude and 122.11 East Longitude, 30 km northeast of Pohuwato, Gorontalo, at a depth of 154 km.
- East Nusa Tenggara (NTT): A Magnitude 2.2 earthquake at 06:27 AM WIB. The epicenter was at 9.02 South Latitude and 119.01 East Longitude, 45 km northwest of Tambolaka, NTT, at a depth of 53 km.
It is important to note, however, that the BMKG emphasizes that this initial information is disseminated with speed as a primary concern. Therefore, the results of data processing may not yet be entirely stable and could be subject to changes as more comprehensive data becomes available.
Summary
A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Sukabumi Regency, West Java, on May 17 at 10:15 PM WIB. The tremor was felt across several regions, ranging from intensity levels II to III MMI, though no immediate damages were reported. A subsequent aftershock of magnitude 3.0 was recorded in the same area early the following morning, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain vigilant.
In addition to the seismic activity in Sukabumi, the BMKG reported several other earthquakes across Indonesia on May 18, affecting regions such as Papua, North Sulawesi, North Maluku, and West Nusa Tenggara. The agency noted that these initial findings are subject to updates as more comprehensive data is analyzed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels while monitoring for further developments.