Sarmi Regency, Papua, has been experiencing a series of earthquakes since early 2025, culminating in a strong tremor on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed the main shock, initially measured at magnitude 6.4, was later updated to magnitude 6.3. The earthquake struck at 15:24 WIB, with its epicentre located 43 kilometres southeast of Sarmi at a depth of 38 kilometres.
“Considering the location of the epicentre and the depth of the hypocentre, the earthquake that occurred is a shallow earthquake caused by activity along the Mamberamo Thrust Belt,” said BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Daryono, as quoted by KumparanNews.
He added that “analysis of the source mechanism indicates that the earthquake had a thrust fault mechanism.”
The tremors were felt in several areas, including Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, and Wamena. “Based on reports from the community, this earthquake caused damage in Sarmi,” Daryono said. The damage included several public facilities and places of worship, although the full extent of the damage is still being assessed by local authorities.
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BMKG confirmed that the earthquake did not have the potential to trigger a tsunami. However, the agency continues to monitor the situation closely, given the pattern of seismic activity in the region this year.
Series of Quakes Since February and Aftershocks Reported
The 12 August quake is the latest in a string of seismic events that have affected the Sarmi area throughout 2025. BMKG records show that five earlier earthquakes occurred between February and May.
The first was recorded on 4 February, with a magnitude of 3.9, centred 67 kilometres northwest of Papua. This was followed by a magnitude 3.9 earthquake on 24 March, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake on 1 May, and a magnitude 3.3 earthquake on 14 May. All were located around Sarmi, either to the northwest, northeast, or southwest, with depths ranging from 10 to 46 kilometres. No significant damage was reported from these earlier tremors.
The situation intensified on 30 July 2025, when a 19-centimetre tsunami wave was detected at Sarmi Port following another offshore quake. BMKG issued a tsunami warning for several eastern Indonesian regions, including Papua. The warning was later lifted after further analysis.
Following the 12 August main shock, BMKG recorded four aftershocks as of 15:50 WIB, the strongest measuring magnitude 4.1. The agency continues to urge residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions in case of further seismic activity.
Authorities are currently conducting field assessments to evaluate structural damage and coordinate any necessary emergency response. Local communities, particularly in Sarmi Regency, are being advised to stay alert given the region’s location along active tectonic fault lines.
