Indonesia’s Rare Volcanic Sinkhole Emerges in Lima Puluh Kota, Drawing Scientific Interest
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- Indonesia’s Geological Agency says the Situjuah Sinkhole in West Sumatra is scientifically unusual because it formed in volcanic deposits rather than limestone karst.
- A rapid assessment estimates the sinkhole is 6–7 meters wide with 6–8 meters of water depth, and officials plan further detailed research.
- Authorities are urged to enforce temporary safety buffers—17 meters in one axis and 30 meters in another—after unsafe photo spots appeared near the site.
A ground-collapse phenomenon that opened into a hole in Situjuah Batua, Lima Puluh Kota regency, West Sumatra, could be developed into an educational tourism site for students and the wider public, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency.
Scientifically, the phenomenon is known as a sinkhole. The Geological Agency under the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) has dubbed it the Situjuah Sinkhole, citing its distinctive characteristics.
Taufiq Wira Buana, a geotechnical geologist at the ESDM Geological Agency, said the Situjuah Sinkhole is considered unusual mainly because of where—and in what material—it formed.
Unlike most sinkholes commonly associated with limestone terrain and karst systems, this one occurred in volcanic material, specifically volcanic deposits.
That difference, he said, gives the site a particular scientific appeal because similar cases are not widely found across Indonesia.
“The Situjuah Sinkhole could actually be developed as an educational tourism destination, both because it is unique and because of the process that formed it,” Taufiq said.
He added that the presence of a large volume of water filling the Situjuah Sinkhole also sets it apart from many other sinkholes.
In his experience, water in sinkholes is often only visible at the bottom or appears as part of an underground river system.
Based on the agency’s rapid assessment, the Situjuah Sinkhole measures about 6 to 7 meters in diameter, with water depth estimated at around 6 to 8 meters.
Taufiq said the agency would issue recommendations to the government once a more detailed study is completed, including guidance on how the site might be managed as an educational attraction.
Visitor safety and restricted areas
Despite its potential, Taufiq emphasized that authorities must prioritize visitor safety and establish a safe distance around the sinkhole.
As an initial estimate—based on rapid observations relying largely on visual assessment—the temporary safety buffer is 17 meters from the rim along the southwest–northeast axis and 30 meters along the southeast–northwest axis.
He noted these distances could be adjusted, and possibly reduced, after a detailed investigation using specialized instruments.
Taufiq also said local residents had previously set up a photo spot near the Situjuah Sinkhole, which helped draw visitors who came to take pictures.
However, he warned that the photo area fell within the hazard radius identified in the agency’s assessment and should not be used.
“The photo spot set up earlier was not safe, and we do not recommend it,” he said.
Still, he added that educational tourism at the site could be feasible once the detailed research is completed, provided strict requirements are put in place.
Indonesianpost.com | Kompas
