“Those predictions are merely coincidental,” he said.
Indonesia experiences an average of around two earthquakes with a magnitude above 7 each year.
As of August 2026, Indonesia had already recorded two earthquakes above magnitude 7, occurring in Flores and North Maluku.
The viral magnitude 9 earthquake prediction serves as another reminder for the public to be more selective when consuming information on social media.
Rather than panicking over unverified predictions, people are encouraged to follow updates and warnings issued by official authorities such as BMKG.
Indonesia is indeed located in an earthquake-prone region. However, being prepared does not mean believing every prediction circulating online.
Instead, the public should understand earthquake mitigation measures, know evacuation routes, prepare emergency supplies, and follow official information when an earthquake occurs.
With proper preparedness and reliable information, viral predictions of a magnitude 9 earthquake should not become a reason for unnecessary public panic.
