An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9, later updated to 4.7, struck Karawang Regency, West Java, and surrounding areas on Wednesday evening (20 August 2025).
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that 13 aftershocks had occurred by Thursday morning.
“The number of aftershocks is 13,” said Daryono, Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG, on Thursday (21 August 2025), as quoted by Detiknews.
BMKG reported that the aftershocks ranged between magnitude 1.7 and 3.9.
“Considering the epicentre location and hypocentre depth, the Karawang-Bekasi M 4.7 earthquake is a shallow earthquake triggered by the West Java back arc thrust fault with a thrusting mechanism,” Daryono wrote on his X account, quoted by Detiknews.
He further explained that the West Java back arc thrust was previously known as the Baribis Fault. However, the Baribis Fault is only one segment of the wider geological structure.
The epicentre was located at 6.52° south latitude and 107.25° east longitude, 19 kilometres southeast of Bekasi Regency, at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Bekasi Earthquake: Impact on Communities and Transport
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The earthquake’s tremors were felt across multiple areas. According to BMKG’s intensity scale (MMI), it was felt at III–IV in Bekasi; III in Purwakarta, Cikarang and Depok; II–III in Bandung, Jakarta, South Tangerang and East Bekasi; and II in Tangerang, Pandeglang, Cianjur, Pelabuhanratu and Lebak.
The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bekasi Regency reported structural damage, including the collapse of a mosque in Sukabungah Village, Bojongmangu District.
Transport services were also disrupted. KAI Commuter temporarily suspended the Jabodetabek Commuter Line for inspections.
“After our officers inspected the condition of the tracks and bridges, at 20:28 WIB, both were reported to be safe. KRL services resumed at 8:35 PM WIB,” said Joni Martinus, VP of Corporate Secretary at KAI Commuter.
High-speed rail operations were also affected. PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) cancelled eight Whoosh services between 8:00 PM and 9:25 PM.
“KCIC decided to cancel Whoosh trips from 8:00 p.m. to 9:25 p.m. that had not yet departed today due to the earthquake,” said GM Corporate Secretary of KCIC, Eva Chairunisa.
