February 20, 2026 | 09:58 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sinkholes has reappearing n Indonesia. Following one in West Sumatra after the flash floods and landslides, another emerged in Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta, in early January.
The first sinkhole appeared in a resident's yard on January 7, 2026, measured approximately 2 x 5 meters with a depth of 4 meters. A few days later, about 12 kilometers from the first location, a second sinkhole appeared in an open agricultural land, measuring smaller at 3 x 4 meters with a depth of 3 meters.
Professor of Geological Engineering at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Wahyu Wilopo, stated that sinkholes are vertical ground collapses that create holes with varying depths due to cavities formed beneath the ground surface.
"These cavities can form due to natural processes such as rock dissolution, especially in karst areas, or human activities such as mining," said Wahyu on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Heavy rain is cited as one of the primary triggers for sinkholes, as rock dissolution intensifies with more water. "Almost all sinkholes that appeared were triggered by high rainfall," he added.
Wahyu added that about 8 percent of Indonesia's land consists of karst areas, where rocks easily dissolve and could potentially create underground cavities that could collapse at any time.
How to Spot Emerging Sinkholes
Wahyu urged the public to recognize the early signs of sinkholes. First, cracks appear on the ground or rocks with circular, semicircular, or quarter-circular patterns.
Second, the ground surface sunk compared to the surrounding area—especially visible during rainfall. Third, small holes appear that enlarge over time.
"If these signs are identified, the public should immediately report to the authorities and avoid approaching the area," said Wahyu.
On a large scale, sinkholes can have serious impacts. From an environmental perspective, this phenomenon can alter the topography, damage ecosystems of flora and fauna, contaminate groundwater, and trigger erosion. From a social perspective, sinkholes can threaten the safety of residents and forcibly displace people from their homes.
People are urged to increase vigilance, especially during the rainy season. He suggested that residents conduct regular environmental monitoring, including post-rain patrols, to detect the possibility of sinkhole signs and other hydrometeorological disasters.
Read: Facts About Sinkholes That You Need to Know
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