• Huge Sinkhole Expands Rapidly in Indonesia
• Destruction of Crops and Risk of Sudden Collapses

Indonesia has witnessed the emergence of a massive sinkhole, estimated at around three hectares, roughly the size of four football fields.

Authorities explained that landslides and soil movement have caused the sinkhole to expand in recent months, destroying numerous crops in the area, including chili plants and sugarcane.

Sinkholes form when the ground surface collapses, leaving a large void beneath, usually after heavy rainfall gradually dissolves underground rocks.

This phenomenon is rare and more likely in areas with soft rocks, such as limestone or chalk.

Local residents noted that the sinkhole grew rapidly following significant flooding at the end of last year, while geological surveys showed that the rocks and sand underground absorb groundwater easily, making the sinkhole’s slopes prone to sudden collapses.

Safety barriers have been installed around the sinkhole to prevent people from approaching its edges, while experts warned that it could continue expanding unless water flow is properly controlled.