According to local media reports, earthquake tremors were felt in Indonesia's main island of Java on Monday.
"Around 20 people have died in this city alone and at least 300 are undergoing treatment," said Herman Suhrman, head of Cianjur's administration. Most of them suffered broken bones as they were trapped in the debris of the building.
The epicenter of the earthquake was the city of Cianjur in the West Java province of Indonesia. The magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 5.6 on the Richter scale.
An Indonesian agency said hospitals and several buildings, including an Islamic boarding school, were damaged.
So far, 44 people have been confirmed dead in the accident, but the number is likely to rise.
Eyewitnesses said the tremors were very strong and people ran for their lives.
Earthquakes occur frequently in Indonesia, but earthquakes are rarely felt in Jakarta.
Earlier on Friday night, a strong earthquake hit western Indonesia. It is a relief that no loss of life or property has been reported during this period.