4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Cianjur; BPBD Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant and Avoid Panic
The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Cianjur Regency, West Java, has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid panic following a magnitude 4.3 earthquake that shook the region on Tuesday evening (1/9/2026). Residents are advised to immediately seek safe shelter if they feel significant tremors.
The Head of BPBD Cianjur, Iwan Karyadi, explained that the earthquake was a shallow-type tremor with a depth of five kilometres. The epicentre was located in the southern part of Cianjur, specifically at coordinates 6.93 degrees South Latitude and 107.10 degrees East Longitude, approximately 13 kilometres south of Cianjur Regency.
“The earthquake was felt throughout the Cianjur area. We have deployed members and are coordinating with village and sub-district officials to record the impact of the earthquake, which was felt quite strongly for several seconds, from the northern to the southern regions,” said Iwan in Cianlag on Tuesday.
As of now, the BPBD is still conducting intensive data collection to ensure the extent of any damage, given that tremors were also reported to be felt as far as Sukabumi Regency. Officers and volunteers have been deployed to several sub-districts that experienced the strongest shaking.
Based on preliminary information, there have been no reports of damage to buildings or public facilities. However, inspections continue in villages to ensure that conditions on the ground remain safe.
The tremors triggered panic among residents. In most areas, people rushed out of their homes and offices. Many residents chose to remain outdoors for several dozen minutes before daring to return to their buildings.
Iwan Karyadi emphasised the importance of self-preparedness. “We ask residents to increase their vigilance and not panic to avoid any unwanted incidents. Immediately exit rooms towards safe, open areas and ensure there are no aftershocks before returning inside,” he added.
The public panic was also triggered by past trauma. Several residents in various sub-districts admitted to being reminded of the major earthquake that occurred three years ago.
“We are still traumatised, especially since this earthquake was quite strong and occurred in early September. Three years ago, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake also occurred in the same month. We hope there will be no more aftershocks in Cianjur,” said Gina Rohmawati, a resident of Nagrak Village.
BPBD Cianjur affirmed that it will continue to conduct strict monitoring and supervision at all vulnerable points to ensure the safety of residents following Tuesday evening’s earthquake.