Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia's Central Papua, Causes Damage in Nabire

Powerful Quake Jolts Central Papua

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Indonesia's easternmost Central Papua province early on Friday, September 19, 2025, causing scattered damage in the coastal town of Nabire. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the shallow quake's epicenter was located approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) south of Nabire, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) initially reported a higher magnitude of 6.6, later updating it to 6.5, with a depth of 24 kilometers. Despite the significant tremor, no casualties were immediately reported.

Damage Assessment and Local Impact

The earthquake led to structural damage primarily in Nabire. According to Suharyanto, chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), at least two houses and the town's main bridge collapsed. Minor damage was also observed at a government office, a church, and the local airport, including broken glass and collapsed ceilings. Residents in Nabire were jolted awake by the tremor, with many running from their homes or moving to higher ground out of fear.

Critical infrastructure was also affected, as telecommunication networks in Nabire and several surrounding towns were disrupted or cut off following the quake. Power networks also experienced outages. BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari confirmed these disruptions, noting they complicated early response efforts.

Official Response and Aftershocks

Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians uses a single name, issued a video message stating that the overall situation was 'safe and under control.' The BMKG quickly assessed the situation and confirmed that there was no danger of a tsunami, as the earthquake's epicenter was located inland. Following the main tremor, the BMKG recorded approximately 50 aftershocks, with the strongest measuring a magnitude of 5.1.

Regional Seismic Context

Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation with over 280 million people, is highly susceptible to seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire.' This arc of intense seismic activity, where tectonic plates frequently collide, stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. The town of Nabire has a history of devastating earthquakes, having been hit by deadly quakes in 2004. One in February of that year killed 30 people, and another in November caused 32 deaths, damaging hundreds of homes.