A video circulating on social media shows a loud explosion accompanied by a bright fireball in the sky over Cirebon, West Java, which startled local residents on Sunday evening.

The incident, suspected to be caused by a falling meteor, is currently under investigation.

The team is still collecting initial data to determine the source of the sound and light observed in several eastern areas of Cirebon.

“Typically, explosion sounds or vibrations can come from convective clouds due to lightning strikes. Based on satellite imagery, there were no indications of convective clouds around the Cirebon area at the time of the incident,” explained a representative.

From a meteorological perspective, the sound could be triggered by various factors, including lightning strikes, earthquake activity, or landslides.

However, at the time of the incident, weather conditions in Cirebon and the surrounding areas were observed to be partly cloudy.

No extreme weather activity or significant meteorological phenomena were recorded in the region.

Monitoring results also did not show any vibrations that could be linked to a specific natural event.

“Regarding meteor or space object phenomena, that falls under the authority of the relevant institutions,” added the representative.

The team is still awaiting additional information from related institutions, including reports from the public who witnessed or recorded the event.

Based on preliminary reports, the incident occurred around 7:00 PM local time and was observed in several sub-districts in eastern Cirebon, particularly in the Lemahabang area.

Several residents reported seeing a fireball streaking quickly across the sky before disappearing, followed by a loud explosion heard from a distance.

photo

Cirebon

Cirebon is a historic port city on the north coast of Java, Indonesia, known as a melting pot of Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, and Islamic cultures. It was once the capital of the influential Cirebon Sultanate, which was established in the 15th century and became a prominent center for the spread of Islam in the region. The city is famous for its unique Keraton (palaces), such as the Kasepuhan and Kanoman, and its distinctive batik art form, known as Megamendung.

West Java

West Java is an Indonesian province on the island of Java, known for its volcanic mountains, tea plantations, and vibrant Sundanese culture. Historically, it was part of several powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, such as Tarumanagara and the Sunda Kingdom, before coming under the influence of the Sultanate of Banten and later Dutch colonial rule. The capital, Bandung, is famous for its Dutch colonial architecture and is a major center for education and creativity.

Lemahabang

Lemahabang is a common place name in Indonesia, meaning “red” in English, and can refer to several different towns or districts. One of the most notable is Lemahabang in Cirebon, West Java, which historically was a significant port and trading center on the north coast of Java. Its history is intertwined with the spread of Islam and the Cirebon Sultanate, serving as a hub for commerce and cultural exchange.