The claim that a 10-meter tsunami hit the coast of Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, on July 1, 2026, is false. The Yogyakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed no such event occurred, stating the viral videos were fabricated and featured footage from different locations and dates.
How did the Gunungkidul tsunami hoax spread?
Videos circulating on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube claimed high waves swept through Gunungkidul on July 1, 2026. These clips showed waves crashing into tourists and destroying buildings. The accounts sharing the content claimed a massive tsunami had just hit the coast.
The Yogyakarta BPBD Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) debunked these claims in a written statement to Tempo on July 3, 2026. Officials clarified that the footage was edited to mislead viewers into believing a disaster had occurred in Yogyakarta.
What was actually in the viral videos?
Fact-checking by the Tempo team revealed the “tsunami” footage was a compilation of unrelated events from different years and provinces. One clip showed a wooden bridge being swept away; this actually happened in East Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi, in early 2025. According to Metrojambi.com, those waves reached 2 meters and damaged 22 houses in Sadu District.
Another segment of the video showed a truck overturning on a ship. This did not happen in Yogyakarta. Metro TV reported this incident occurred on Kabaena Island, Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi. The ship, KM Bontoharu, had departed from Bira Port in Bulukumba Regency before encountering strong winds that knocked over the vehicle.
Comparison of Reported vs. Actual Events
| Viral Claim | Verified Reality | Actual Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10m Tsunami (July 2026) | No tsunami occurred | Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta |
| Bridge swept away | 2m waves (Early 2025) | East Tanjung Jabung, Jambi |
| Truck overturned on ship | Strong winds/high waves | Kabaena Island, South Sulawesi |
What were the actual sea conditions in Yogyakarta?
Weather data contradicts the tsunami claims. Between July 1 and July 4, 2026, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKGYIA) reported dominant winds from the east to south at 10-15 knots. This is categorized as moderate under the Beaufort standard.
Wave heights in the Indian Ocean south of Yogyakarta, including the waters of Bantul, Kulonprogo, and Gunungkidul, were estimated between 2.5 and 4 meters. Agus Fitriyanto H, the call sign for Pasopati 03 at the BPBD Aju Post in Gunungkidul, confirmed via WhatsApp on July 4, 2026, that there were no high waves or tsunamis in the field during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there a tsunami in Gunungkidul in July 2026?
No. The Yogyakarta BPBD and BMKGYIA confirmed no tsunami occurred; the videos were fabricated.
Where did the footage of the destroyed bridge come from?
That footage was from an event in East Tanjung Jabung, Jambi, that took place in early 2025.
How can I verify disaster alerts in Yogyakarta?
The BPBD recommends using the official Pamor mobile application for the most accurate and updated disaster information.
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