Jakarta-Sana
An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck off the Kings Archipelago in eastern Indonesia, but no tsunami warning was issued.
The quake was centered 37 km northeast of Ambon Island and at a depth of 29 km, the US Geological Survey said.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in the area, which was hit by major earthquakes.
Initial reports suggested the quake struck off the coast of Ambon, but analysis by the Indonesian National Agency for Disaster Reduction later found that it hit the coast.
Agency chief Oral Sim called on residents to remain calm as some people panicked and began to evacuate some areas.
Indonesia is experiencing frequent seismic and volcanic activity because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.
Last August, five people were killed and several injured after a powerful undersea earthquake shook the densely populated Java island.
An earthquake measuring 7.5 last year, followed by a tsunami in Palu, Sulawesi island, killed more than 2,200 people and left thousands missing.
