The geological disaster in Pondok Balek Getol village, Aceh province, Indonesia, is intensifying. Aerial photos reveal ongoing ground movement at the "giant sinkhole," which continues to widen. It now covers agricultural land and threatens residential areas over more than 18 rai, expanding by about 1 meter each day.
The massive sinkhole is located in Central Aceh district, Aceh province, Indonesia. The Aceh Energy and Mineral Resources Office reports that the sinkhole has expanded to cover 18.75 rai this year and continues to grow by about 1 meter daily. Most of the damaged land is villagers' farmland, such as chili fields, causing farmers to lose their main crops and income sources.
Field inspections found that the sinkhole's edges are collapsing and expanding by an average of 1 meter per day. Currently, the distance between the sinkhole's edge and the community is only about 400 meters, causing significant concern among local residents.
Lieutenant General Suharyanto, Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), stated that the government has taken proactive measures to protect infrastructure by relocating high-voltage power poles away from risk areas and accelerating the construction of alternative roads so residents can travel normally.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has temporarily suspended the discharge of wastewater from the community into the affected area to reduce factors that soften the soil and increase collapse risk.
Mulyadi, an official from the Ministry of Public Works, revealed, "Our team is currently conducting a detailed technical study to find the safest response methods. Because the damaged surface area is very extensive, we must be especially cautious in setting mitigation measures to prevent further landslides that could occur at any time."
Currently, mixed teams have installed permanent barriers to prevent villagers from approaching the sinkhole edges due to highly unstable and continuously shifting soil. Local authorities have also issued special warnings for residents to stay vigilant, especially during heavy rains that could accelerate soil erosion and subsidence.
Disaster relief teams are urgently assessing the true cause of this sinkhole event and expect to finalize the study and permanent solutions by the end of February 2026.
. KOMPAS