The Indonesian Meteorology, Geophysics and Climatology Agency (BMKG) had earlier reported the quake at a magnitude of 6.3 and a depth of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles), but issued no tsunami alert.

USGS reported the quake struck at 0856 GMT at a depth of 55 kilometres, 288 kilometres north of Saumlaki in the Tanimbar Islands.

"There was light shaking reported but we've received no reports of damage or casualties so far," BMKG technical chief Suharjono told AFP.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where continental plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.