Denying Tsunami Issue due to Palu Earthquake, BNPB: Ordinary Tides
Kompas.com, June 17, 2026, 11:13 WIB
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Head of the Data and Information Center for Disaster of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Abdul Muhari denied the tsunami issue due to a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Palu, Southeast Sulawesi and its surroundings, Tuesday (6/16/2026).
He said the epicenter was on land, making it difficult to cause a tsunami.
"This is a land earthquake, so this land earthquake is also quite far inland, not near the sea, so it has no potential for a tsunami and there was no tsunami yesterday in Palu," he said in a press conference, Wednesday (6/17/2026).
The man who is familiarly called Aam said that several amateur videos claiming a receding water phenomenon in Palu Bay were not a tsunami.
Also read: BMKG Officially Cancels Tsunami Early Warning in Manado to Ternate
"We confirm that it is an ordinary tidal phenomenon and has nothing to do with the earthquake phenomenon that occurred in Sigi (Central Sulawesi)," he added.
He also informed that quite a number of aftershocks occurred after the main earthquake of magnitude 6.7.
Based on the latest data, there have been 118 aftershocks, but Aam said the aftershocks continue to diminish.
"This indicates a decay of energy from the main energy released at 6.7 magnitude yesterday," he said.
Also read: Mindanao M 7.7 Earthquake Serves as Reminder of Indonesia's Tsunami Threat
Aam urged the public to be cautious of cracked and damaged buildings from the initial earthquake.
For information, an earthquake occurred in Central Sulawesi with a magnitude of 6.7. The earthquake occurred at 10:27 WIB.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded a series of aftershocks centered around Sigi Regency and Palu City, with vibrations spreading strongly to neighboring areas in West Sulawesi.
Based on data released by the BMKG's Regional Earthquake Center (PGR) 4 Sulawesi, the main earthquake was centered at coordinates 1.04° South Latitude and 120.23° East Longitude.
Also read: Update on Palu Earthquake: 118 Aftershocks, 1 Fatality
After the main earthquake, BMKG reported at least nine aftershocks with magnitudes varying from 3.5 to 4.6.
Currently, it is reported that there is one casualty from the incident, 13 serious injuries, and 25 minor injuries.
