In the early hours of Friday, September 19, 2025, residents of Nabire—a coastal town in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua—were jolted awake by a powerful earthquake. The magnitude-6.1 tremor, which struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) and was centered 28 kilometers (17 miles) south of Nabire, left its mark on the region, causing widespread anxiety and scattered damage, but, remarkably, no immediate casualties.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was located inland, sparing the region from the additional devastation a tsunami might have brought. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency quickly confirmed there was no tsunami threat, reassuring a populace all too familiar with the dangers of living in a seismically active zone. As reported by the Associated Press and echoed by multiple sources, the quake was strong enough to send people fleeing from their homes, some running for higher ground in fear of potential waves, while others simply sought safety outside as buildings shook and windows rattled.
"Overall, the situation is safe and under control," Suharyanto, chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, declared in a video message broadcast later that morning. His calm words came as a relief to many, especially after initial reports detailed the collapse of at least two houses and the town’s main bridge. Suharyanto, who—like many Indonesians—uses a single name, also confirmed that a government office, a church, and the local airport had suffered minor damage. Emergency crews were already on the ground, assessing the situation and beginning the slow process of cleanup and repair.
But the immediate aftermath was anything but calm for Nabire’s residents. As the ground shook, people scrambled from their homes, some still in pajamas, clutching children and whatever belongings they could grab. Many rushed to higher ground, haunted by memories of previous disasters. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, described the scene: "People ran from houses or to higher ground when the quake occurred and telecommunication networks in Nabire and several other towns in the region were cut off." The disruption of power and communications made it difficult for families to check on loved ones and for officials to coordinate a swift response.
The quake’s impact was felt most acutely in Nabire, where the collapse of the main bridge severed a vital link for the community. The bridge’s destruction, along with the loss of at least two homes, underscored the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure. Public facilities did not escape unscathed: the airport suffered broken glass, and the regent’s office saw ceilings collapse. Still, the damage was not as catastrophic as it could have been, and minor compared to some of the tragedies that have struck the area in the past.
For many in Nabire, the events of September 19 revived painful memories of 2004, when the town was hit by two deadly earthquakes. In February of that year, a powerful tremor killed 30 people and damaged hundreds of homes. Just months later, in November, another quake claimed 32 lives. These tragedies are never far from the minds of locals, and Friday’s earthquake, while less lethal, was a stark reminder of the ever-present risks of living in this part of the world.
Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 280 million people, sits atop some of the world’s most active seismic faults. The country is part of the infamous Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped belt known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This geological reality means that Indonesians are no strangers to natural disasters, and the nation’s disaster agencies have become adept at responding quickly to such events. Yet, the unpredictability and sheer force of nature continue to test both infrastructure and resolve.
Despite the scattered damage, officials were quick to emphasize that the situation was not spiraling out of control. Suharyanto’s statement that “overall, the situation is safe and under control” was echoed by other authorities as the day progressed. Emergency crews were deployed to assess structural damage, clear debris, and restore basic services. The immediate priorities included reconnecting telecommunication networks, which had been knocked out in Nabire and several neighboring towns, and ensuring that those whose homes had been damaged or destroyed had somewhere safe to stay.
It is perhaps a testament to the resilience of the people of Papua—and Indonesians more broadly—that, despite the shock and disruption, life began to return to normal within hours. There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities, a fact that brought relief and perhaps a touch of disbelief, given the magnitude of the quake and the destruction of key infrastructure. The swift response of local and national agencies helped to restore a sense of order, even as aftershocks and uncertainty lingered.
Still, the earthquake served as a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness. In a region where earthquakes are a fact of life, building codes, early warning systems, and community education are crucial tools for minimizing harm. The events of September 19 may prompt renewed calls for investment in safer infrastructure and better disaster readiness—not just in Nabire, but across Indonesia’s many vulnerable communities.
The quake also highlighted the challenges of responding to disasters in remote and often underdeveloped areas. The loss of telecommunication networks hampered early response efforts, making it harder for emergency crews to coordinate and for residents to access help. The collapse of the main bridge in Nabire cut off a critical transportation route, complicating the delivery of aid and the movement of people and goods. These obstacles, while not insurmountable, underscore the need for continued investment in resilient infrastructure and disaster response capabilities.
Looking forward, the people of Nabire and the wider Papua region will face the task of rebuilding—both physically and emotionally. The scars of past disasters run deep, and each new event is a reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Yet, as Friday’s earthquake demonstrated, preparedness, swift action, and community solidarity can make a profound difference when disaster strikes.
As the sun set over Nabire on September 19, 2025, the town was battered but unbowed. The earthquake had left its mark, but it had not broken the spirit of its people. And in a country where the ground never seems to stop moving, that resilience may be the most important asset of all.