Cause of Bandung booms remains a mystery as geological and weather agencies offer different analyses

The cause of loud booms heard across Bandung Raya remains unresolved, with Indonesia's Geological Agency and BMKG Bandung offering different explanations.

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The sounds of booms and vibrations reported by residents in several areas of West Java, Banten and Lampung are suspected to be related to the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption, which occurred at the same time.

The Geological Agency said the sounds and vibrations reported in parts of West Java, Banten and Lampung were strongly suspected to be connected to Mount Anak Krakatau's ongoing eruption. Agency head Lana Saria said the activity was taking place at the same time as the reports. The volcano remained at Alert Level III, and authorities barred residents, tourists and climbers from entering or conducting activities within three kilometers of the crater.

The agency also warned of hot clouds, lava, incandescent rock fragments and heavy ashfall. The sounds were reported from Friday night, September 4, into the early hours of Saturday, September 5. Residents said windows shook in Bandung Barat, while others reported hearing the booms in Padasuka, Cimahi, Majalaya, Cikancung, Sukabumi and Cianjur.

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There was a booming sound and the windows shook in West Bandung.

Some residents linked the sounds to the recent Krakatau eruption. BMKG Bandung, however, presented a different analysis, saying the booms were likely a skyquake. It said the phenomenon was believed to have originated inside the Earth and was not caused by the Anak Krakatau eruption.

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It was also heard in Padasuka.