5 Facts Behind the Mysterious Booms in Bandung: Could it be a Skyquake Phenomenon?

Mysterious booming sounds were heard across several areas of Greater Bandung from Friday (5/9) until the early hours of Saturday. The phenomenon immediately sparked curiosity among the public regarding the source of the clearly audible sounds.

Amidst widespread speculation on social media, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has provided an explanation regarding the phenomenon. BMKG confirmed that the booming sounds heard by residents of Greater Bandung are not related to the eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.

Here are five facts regarding the mysterious booms:

1. The booms were heard in several areas of Greater Bandung

The phenomenon of booming sounds was reported in various parts of Greater Bandung from Friday (5/ Disember) until early Saturday morning. The appearance of these sounds left residents questioning the cause, as the exact source had not yet been identified. The phenomenon gained significant attention following various speculations, including potential links to volcanic activity.

2. BMKG confirms it is not an eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau

BMKG emphasised that the booming sounds are not related to the eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, which is occurring in the waters of the Sunda Strait. The Head of the BMKG Class I Geophysics Station in Bandung, Suaidi Ahadi, assessed that the distance between Bandung and Mount Anak Krakatau is too great for its eruptive activity to be heard in Bandung City. “In Bandung City, I believe it is too far to hear the activity from a Krakatoa eruption like the one that occurred yesterday,” said Suaadi in Bandung on Saturday, 5 September 2026.

3. No earthquake recordings were found during the booms

Another fact is that BMKG found no earthquake recordings coinciding with the public reports of the booming sounds. BMKG monitoring also showed no seismic activity on several active fault lines in the region. “Regarding today’s phenomenon, we recorded no earthquake activity, whether on the Lembang Fault, the Cimandiri Fault, or other active faults in the Greater Bandung area at that time,” stated Suaidi.

4. Booms can be caused by geophysical activity

Although no earthquake recordings were found this time, Suaidi explained that booming phenomena can actually arise from various geophysical activities.