Mystery ‘Fireball’ Over Cirebon Sky Turns Out to Be Sugarcane Field Burning

Devwiz

A mysterious “fireball” spotted in the night sky over Cirebon, West Java, sparked online frenzy on social media berita terkini. Dozens of residents shared videos showing a blazing orange light moving across the sky, with many speculating that it was a meteor entering Earth’s atmosphere.

However, after investigation, local authorities confirmed that the fiery sight was not a meteor — but rather smoke and flames from a sugarcane field burning in the nearby area.

Viral Videos Spark Panic and Curiosity

Shortly after the videos went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, hashtags like #BolaApiCirebon and #LangitCirebon trended nationwide. Some users compared the spectacle to a meteor shower, while others claimed it was a sign of volcanic activity.

Local residents living near the Arjawinangun district reported seeing bright lights in the sky around 8:30 p.m. “It looked like a glowing ball falling down — people were scared,” said Sinta, a resident who recorded one of the viral clips.

Within hours, the videos had garnered hundreds of thousands of views and widespread media coverage, adding to the mystery behind the so-called “fireball.”

Police Clarify the Situation

Authorities moved quickly to clarify the viral incident. Cirebon Police Chief AKBP Eko Bagus Riyadi told local reporters that the phenomenon was caused by open burning in a sugarcane plantation, not an object from outer space.

“After checking the location, we confirmed that the light and smoke originated from sugarcane fields being burned as part of the harvest process. There was no meteor or explosion,” said Eko.

Sugarcane burning is a common agricultural practice in parts of Indonesia, used to clear dry leaves before harvest. However, under certain atmospheric conditions, the reflection of flames and smoke can appear much larger — even resembling glowing objects in the sky.

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Social Media Reacts with Humor and Memes

Once the clarification was made public, the tone online shifted from panic to humor. Netizens quickly turned the “Cirebon Fireball” into a meme, joking about how Indonesians “found a meteor made of sugar.” Others poked fun at how fast rumors spread compared to official statements.

Popular meme pages reshared edited videos showing UFOs, dragons, and space debris over the Cirebon sky, adding to the entertainment value of the viral moment.

One user wrote, “In Indonesia, even sugarcane can make international headlines.”

Authorities Remind the Public to Verify Information

Local officials took the opportunity to remind citizens not to panic or spread misinformation online. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) issued a statement urging the public to verify information before sharing, especially when it involves natural or astronomical phenomena.

“We appreciate public awareness, but we encourage everyone to check facts with local authorities to prevent unnecessary panic,” the BNPB said in its release.

A Lesson in the Age of Viral News

The “fireball” incident once again highlights how quickly viral content spreads in Indonesia — a country known for its high social media engagement. Events like these show both the power and pitfalls of online platforms in shaping public perception.

Even nusakita, one of today’s most updated news platforms, noted that viral phenomena like this reflect the importance of responsible media consumption. In its editorial, Nusakita wrote, “In a digital world where information travels faster than facts, curiosity must always be balanced with verification.”

As the dust settles — or in this case, as the sugarcane burns out — the Cirebon “fireball” serves as a reminder that not everything bright in the sky is from space. Sometimes, the truth is much closer to the ground.

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