Lima Puluh Kota Sinkhole Phenomenon: The 'Giant Well' Formed Beneath Indonesia’s Rice Fields

The mystery surrounding the giant sinkhole that swallowed agricultural land in Pombatan, Situjuah Batua Village, Lima Puluh Kota, West Sumatra, Indonesia, has finally been scientifically unraveled. This 20-meter wide hole with a depth of approximately 15 meters appeared suddenly on a Sunday morning (January 4, 2026), devouring productive rice fields belonging to local farmers.

As of Thursday (January 8, 2026), authorities continue to monitor the site closely. This disaster is a significant blow to local farmers, as the rice fields that have been their livelihood for generations have now turned into a vast, dark void.

Lima Puluh Kota Sinkhole Phenomenon

Uda Uni,

Can Uda Uni imagine what it feels like to wake up, ready to start your daily routine in the fields, only to find a massive, gaping hole right in the middle of your land?

This was the shocking reality for a farmer in Situjuah Batua, Lima Puluh Kota, on that Sunday morning. It was a complete surprise to the villagers, as there were no loud bangs or warning signs. Suddenly, the owner and nearby residents found a perfect circle of land had simply collapsed.

Local witnesses noted that in the days leading up to the total collapse, there were puddles that never dried up and the ground began to slightly dip. However, at the time, no one suspected these were signs that the "roof" of the earth was preparing to cave in.

 

A Geological Process: Not an Instant Event

While the sudden collapse triggered many local speculations, scientific data provides a clearer picture. According to experts from Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, this subterranean tunnel was not formed overnight. The process is predicted to have been occurring hidden underground for months, or even years.

Deep beneath the soil of Situjuah, there is a layer of Metamorphic Limestone (similar to marble) that is extremely hard and waterproof. This rock acts as a natural "floor," preventing rainwater from soaking deeper into the earth. Consequently, water flows sideways over this rock floor, slowly "stealing" fine soil particles bit by bit.

This secret process, known as Piping Erosion, continuously eroded the foundation of the rice field until it created a giant void -- essentially a natural well without concrete walls beneath the surface.

 

The "Giant Well" Analogy and the 'Bridging Effect'

Uda Uni can imagine this phenomenon, like a giant 20-meter wide well forming naturally underground. During the process, the surface of the rice field remained flat because the soil was able to "hang" like a roof -- a phenomenon known as the Bridging Effect.

However, the heavy rains that recently lashed the Lima Puluh Kota region in West Sumatra were the final trigger. The water-soaked soil became incredibly heavy while the support beneath was completely hollow. Eventually, the "roof" gave way.

 

Hidden Dangers: Why Staying Away is Mandatory

Curiosity often draws crowds to unusual sights, and this sinkhole is no exception -- especially after going viral on Indonesian social media. People from outside the region have been flocking to Lima Puluh Kota, often unaware of the life-threatening risks:

* Unstable Walls: Without concrete reinforcement, the walls consist of fragile soil that can collapse instantly from the vibration of footsteps or human weight.

* The 'Neighboring Cave' Risk: Very likely that other hollow cavities exist around the main hole.

* The "Breathing" Hole: The sound of wind blowing from within indicates a vast network of underground tunnels.

 

Similar Phenomena Elsewhere in Indonesia

Uda Uni, this sinkhole in a rice field is not a first for Indonesia. Similar phenomena have been recorded in several regions across the archipelago, including Sukabumi (West Java), Gunungkidul (Yogyakarta), and Maros (South Sulawesi).

Given how dangerous this sinkhole is, we all hope that the ground stabilizes soon and no more land is affected. May the people of Situjuah Batua, Lima Puluh Kota, remain safe. Let’s stay vigilant and respect the safety zones for the sake of everyone's well-being. Warm regards from Padang!