JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reminds the public about the potential for the Situjuah Sinkhole to expand in Situjuah Batua Village, Limapuluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra (Sumbar).
"The Situjuah sinkhole still has the possibility of widening, especially towards the southwest," said Taufiq Wira Buana, an expert in engineering geology at the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, when contacted in Padang City, Sunday, quoted by Antara.
Taufik explained that from the results of a quick survey conducted by the Geological Agency, the safe distance from the edge of the sinkhole is 17 meters to the Southwest Northeast and 30 meters to the Southwest Southwest.
He emphasized that the estimated safe distance in the sinkhole area was still temporary and required further research. In fact, the Geological Agency estimates the possibility of a new sinkhole appearing.
"This study continues and we are doing it to ensure the safe radius," he said.
The emergence of sinkholes is still likely to occur with a number of notes such as the character does not occur en masse and is local-local. Usually appears along the underground river line.
Some areas of Nagari Situjuah Batua and Nagari Tungka which are located to the southwest of the Situjuah Sinkhole are more vulnerable than some areas of Nagari Situjuah Batua which are located to the northeast of the Situjuah Sinkhole.
The Geological Agency encourages that the potential sinkhole routes to be inventoried in detail with geophysical approaches such as geoelectricity and georadar, hydrogeology and engineering geology.
To prevent and ensure public safety, the government together with the local police has installed a police line around the Situjuah Sinkhole. Unfortunately, there are still many people who ignore the prohibition not to cross the police line just to take a photo and take a closer look at the natural phenomenon.
The Geological Agency is still conducting a detailed study of the Situjuah Sinkhole to anticipate and educate the public about the natural phenomenon that occurred. This study took place from 2 to 11 February 2026 involving the Provincial ESDM Office of West Sumatra and the Limapuluh Kota Regency Government.
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