Indonesia’s Geological Agency Sets Temporary Safety Radius for Sitijuah Sinkhole
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- The Geological Agency says the Sitijuah sinkhole may still widen, particularly along a southeast–northwest direction.
- Officials set temporary safe distances of 17 meters and 30 meters from the edge, while warning new sinkholes could appear.
- Authorities have placed a police line around the site, but some visitors still cross it as studies continue through Feb. 11, 2026.
The Geological Agency under the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) has warned the public about the potential widening of the Sitijuah sinkhole in Nagari Situjuah Batua, Limapuluh Kota regency, West Sumatra.
“The Sitijuah sinkhole may still expand, especially toward the southeast–northwest,” Geological Agency engineering geology expert Taufiq Wira Buana said on Sunday, when contacted in Padang.
Taufiq said a rapid assessment by the agency estimated a safe distance from the sinkhole’s edge at 17 meters toward the southwest–northeast direction and 30 meters toward the southeast–northwest direction.
He stressed that the estimated safe perimeter remains temporary and requires further research. The Geological Agency also anticipates the possible emergence of new sinkholes.
“We are continuing this assessment to determine the safe radius,” he said.
The formation of sinkholes remains possible, with several notes: such events are not expected to occur on a massive scale and tend to be localized. They typically appear along underground river pathways.
Parts of Nagari Situjuah Batua and Nagari Tungka, located to the southwest of the Sitijuah sinkhole, are considered more vulnerable than areas of Nagari Situjuah Batua to the northeast of the sinkhole.
The Geological Agency has encouraged a detailed inventory of potential sinkhole corridors using geophysical approaches such as electrical resistivity and ground-penetrating radar, alongside hydrogeological and engineering geology studies.
To prevent accidents and ensure public safety, the government and local police have put up a police line around the Sitijuah sinkhole. However, many residents have ignored the restriction, crossing the line to take photos and get a closer look at the natural phenomenon.
The Geological Agency is still conducting a detailed study of the Sitijuah sinkhole to anticipate further developments and educate the public about the event. The study runs from Feb. 2 to 11, 2026, involving the West Sumatra ESDM Office and the Limapuluh Kota regency administration.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
