Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Strikes South of Sukabumi, Tremors Felt to Garut

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Bandung reported that a magnitude 5.3 tectonic earthquake occurred in the sea south of Sukabumi on Friday, 13 March 2026 at 02:18 Western Indonesia Time. The earthquake posed no tsunami risk.

“The results of our analysis show the earthquake registered magnitude 5.3,” said Teguh Rahayu, Head of BMKG Bandung, on Friday, 13 March 2026.

The epicentre was located at sea, approximately 121 kilometres south-east of Sukabumi Regency at a depth of 53 kilometres. The earthquake was classified as a shallow earthquake resulting from subduction zone activity. “The analysis of the source mechanism indicates that the earthquake involved strike-slip motion,” Rahayu explained.

The tremors were felt in Cidolog and Ciracap in Tasikmalaya Regency, as well as in Cijati, Pagelaran, Sukanegara, Agrabinta, Sindangbarang, Garut, Cidahu and Cimanggu.

Rahayu noted that the dry season would arrive earlier than usual in West Java. The dry season is expected to commence in March and continue through June 2026. Some areas have already begun experiencing dry season conditions. Rahayu urged the public to remain vigilant during the dry season, particularly regarding potential droughts, fires and water resource management.