Bandung Raya residents report mysterious loud booming sounds

Authorities are investigating the cause of loud, repeated booming sounds and vibrations reported across the Bandung Raya region between Friday night and early Saturday morning. The phenomenon caused widespread concern among residents, with many reporting that windows and doors vibrated.

There is a disagreement between agencies regarding the source of the noise. The Geological Agency (Badan Geologi) suggests the sounds may be linked to the simultaneous eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait. However, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Bandung has dismissed this possibility for the Bandung area, citing that wind patterns moving from east to west would make it physically unlikely for the sound to travel that distance to the region.

BMKG officials noted that seismic monitoring showed no significant earthquake activity in Bandung during the time of the reports. They have proposed several alternative theories for further study, including a ‘skyquake’ or the release of methane gas trapped beneath the sediments of the ancient Bandung Lake. Other possibilities include swarm earthquakes or collapses in karst areas, though current data does not confirm these.