JAKARTA - The research team of the Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) found strong indications of an underground river about 100 meters from the sinkhole area in Jorong Tepi, Nagari Situjuah Batua, Limapuluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra (Sumbar).
"Our strong indication is that there is a sinkhole underground river outlet," said Taufiq Wira Buana, a technical geologist at the Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in Limapuluh Kota Regency, Wednesday, February 11.
The findings of the indication of the underground river are about 100 meters from the sinkhole point of Situjuah. This underground river finding or indication is one of 11 indications of the Situjuah sinkhole type that appeared on January 4, 2026.
The Geological Agency continues to appeal to the public to be wise in understanding the emergence of this natural phenomenon.
"Dozens of signs or indications of the symptoms of the Situjuh type sinkhole are not all dangerous to safety," he said.
In the study, the Geological Agency team also found cream-colored rocks or so-called lapili tuff which is volcanic material. This discovery also indicates the occurrence of internal erosion (soil piping).
Taufiq said that the indication of the existence of the underground river would be studied further by the Geological Agency, including the possibility or cause of the formation of the water flow channel.
At the same time, researchers also took several samples, including to measure water quality to check the sample of lapili tuff to ensure its technical nature.
"The results of water quality testing or potential of hydrogen show that it tends to be slightly acidic or at 5.6 or still below the neutral figure," he said.
He added that research on the indications of underground rivers, water quality, and the presence of lapilidi around the underground river flow to ensure the suspected connection between the springs being studied with the sinkhole Situjuah.
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