Sigi Regency collaborates with Central Sulawesi ESDM to investigate flammable gas-water seepage in Palolo

Sigi Regency (ANTARA) — The Sigi Regency administration has involved the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Office of Central Sulawesi Province to dispatch a team of geological experts to Sarumana Village, Palolo District, following the discovery of a water eruption suspected to contain flammable gas.

“We are certainly conducting an immediate inspection of the site and reporting to the Central Sulawesi ESDM Office to examine what substances are contained within it, so as not to cause panic among the community,” said Head of the Sigi Environment Office, Heru Murtanto, in Dolo on Monday.

He stated that the police and the Palolo District administration have already installed police lines around the area.

“The site has been cordoned off with police lines and remains under strict supervision by local authorities whilst awaiting the technical examination results from the Central Sulawesi ESDM Office,” he said.

Meanwhile, Palolo District Head Muhammad Syukur said the emergence of the gas-containing water originated from a groundwater drilling project by the local Public Works Office.

“Initially it came from a groundwater channelling project at two points, but only one point released gas material, so we created a water channel to the drainage,” said Syukur.

He added that residents should not approach and should avoid the area, which has already been cordoned off with police lines.

“We ask residents not to go near the site for their own safety,” he said.

The gas emission actually first occurred after an earthquake in Sigi in early July 2026, but the flame produced was still small when tested. When tested again last Sunday, the flame was considerably larger and the video went viral.

In the circulating video, a resident attempts to hold a lighter flame to the gas-containing water flow, which immediately produces a blaze of fire.