JAKARTA, MEDIAJAKARTA.COM – A magnitude (M) 4.9 earthquake jolted Jakarta and surrounding areas on Wednesday (Aug 20) evening at around 7:54 p.m. local time. The tremors, which lasted 1–4 seconds, sent many residents rushing out of their homes and high-rise buildings in panic.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the quake’s epicenter on land, located 14 kilometers southeast of Bekasi Regency at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Tremors Felt Across Greater Jakarta to Karawang
The quake was not only felt in Jakarta but also in several nearby regions with moderate to strong intensity. Residents in Depok, Bekasi, Bogor, Karawang, and even Purwakarta, West Java, reported feeling the tremors.
“At first I thought I was just dizzy, but then the hanging lamp started shaking. I immediately ran out of my apartment,” said Yani, a resident of Kalibata, South Jakarta.
BNPB on Alert, No Damage Reported Yet
In response, the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, immediately instructed his team to coordinate with regional disaster agencies (BPBD) in Jakarta, Bekasi, Tangerang, and surrounding areas.
“Check immediately and report,” Suharyanto ordered.
As of press time, no reports of infrastructure damage or casualties had been received. However, BNPB and BPBD joint teams continue to monitor conditions on the ground.
Aftershock Recorded
BNPB confirmed that by 8:35 p.m. local time, one aftershock with a magnitude of 2.1 had occurred. The public was urged to remain vigilant as further aftershocks remain possible.
“Don’t panic, but stay alert. Avoid cracked buildings, keep away from glass or objects that may fall. If you are in a high-rise building, do not use elevators—use emergency stairs instead,” said Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB’s Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication.
Beware of Hoaxes Amid Earthquake Panic
Amid the commotion, a video circulated online claiming that Purwasari Community Health Center in Karawang was damaged by the quake. In reality, the damage was caused by heavy rain and strong winds earlier that afternoon.
Muhari urged the public not to fall for misinformation and to always seek verified updates from official sources such as BNPB, BMKG, BPBD, and other authorities.
“Do not believe information without a clear source. Always check updates from authorized institutions,” he stressed.
Earthquake Preparedness Tips
As part of community preparedness, Muhari suggested residents create a simple alarm system using household items. “Stack empty cans or pans. If an earthquake occurs, they will fall and make noise, alerting residents to evacuate immediately,” he explained.
Currently, BNPB and BPBD teams are still monitoring multiple affected areas to ensure post-quake safety (Marwan Aziz).