The US Geological Survey said a 5.9-magnitude quake struck at 8:11 am (0111 GMT), at a depth of 19 kilometres (12 miles) and was centred 113 kilometres west-southwest of Padang.

"This area is prone to quakes and the quake was felt by many people but it's not destructive," Indonesian geophysics and meteorology agency technical head Suharjono told AFP.

"We've not received any reports of casualties or damage yet," he added.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity.

A 7.6-magnitude quake that struck Sumatra island on September 30 killed more than 1,000 people.