Sarmi Residents Awakened by 6.4 Quake, BMKG Urges Calm

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 that struck the Sarmi Regency in Papua. According to Daryono, Head of the BMKG’s Earthquake and Tsunami Center, the earthquake occurred at 12:48 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) and was caused by a thrust fault.

In a written statement on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Daryono said, “The earthquake was a shallow tremor resulting from movement along the Anjak Mamberamo Fault.”

The quake’s epicenter was located at 2.18° South Latitude and 138.94° East Longitude. It occurred on land, about 42 kilometers southeast of Sarmi, at a depth of 16 kilometers.

The shaking in Sarmi reached a Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) level of V, meaning it was felt by nearly everyone, with many people awakened by the tremor. In Jayapura, the quake was felt at MMI level III, comparable to the sensation of a passing truck.

Daryono confirmed that the earthquake had no potential to generate a tsunami.

“As of 1:12 p.m. WIB, BMKG has not detected any aftershocks,” he added.

BMKG urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading or believing unverified information. Residents were advised to stay away from damaged buildings and to ensure structural safety before re-entering any affected structures.

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2057711/m6-4-earthquake-strikes-papuas-sarmi-caused-by-mamberamo-fault