Sigi Regent's Office Damaged After M6.7 Earthquake Shakes Central Sulawesi

Jakarta – A 6.7 magnitude earthquake that shook Palu, Central Sulawesi, has resulted in damage to several buildings. Structures affected by the natural disaster include the Sigi Regent’s Office, Tadulako University, and a number of residents’ homes. “Yes, the Sigi Regent’s Office, then residents’ houses in Parigi Moutong Regency, and then five other houses as well,” said Teguh Rahayu, Director of Engineering Seismology, Potential Geophysics, and Time Signals at BMKG, during a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. BMKG also received information regarding damage to other buildings, such as the Santika Hotel and a café in Palu, the Best Western Hotel, and the Star Kitchen shop. “As of 12 o’clock, the update we have received is only in the category of moderate non-structural damage,” he explained. He confirmed that BMKG has deployed teams to the field to conduct surveys and assess the impact of the earthquake. Previously, BMKG revealed the potential for liquefaction resulting from the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Palu and several areas in Southeast Sulawesi on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. BMKG’s Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto, stated that an earthquake of this magnitude could cause liquefaction, but only in certain areas. “Regarding the risk of liquefaction, as we know, in 2018 there was a very powerful earthquake in Palu with a magnitude of 7.5, and there were several areas with liquefaction potential. However, with the current 6.7 magnitude earthquake, liquefaction could possibly occur, but it does not happen in all areas,” he said during a press conference at the BMKG office in Jakarta. Wijayanto noted that areas with sandy soil and potential for rising water are the primary locations at risk. “But of course, we hope that for this 6.7 magnitude earthquake, any liquefaction that occurs will not be as significant as the 7.5 event,” he clarified. Nevertheless, Wijayanto admitted that his agency has not yet received any information regarding areas that have experienced liquefaction.