Sinkhole Reappears in Popohan, Kulon Progo; Locals Recall Similar Incident in 2023

The mysterious sinkhole phenomenon has resurfaced in Popohan village, Banjararum sub-district, Kalibawang, Kulon Progo. The sinkhole has reappeared at the same location as in 2023.

Popohan village head, Restu Bayu Permadi, stated that the land subsidence incident occurred near the residence of Karyo Dimejo. The hole formed after the area was drenched in heavy rain overnight.

“The land subsidence incident occurred this morning at 07:00 AM. This incident affected land around the residence of Mr. Karyo,” said Bayu when contacted by reporters on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).

He explained that the sinkhole has a diameter of about 3 meters and a depth of 5 meters.

“The diameter is approximately 3 meters, while the visible depth from the surface is about 5 meters,” he said.

However, according to Bayu, research conducted by university academics in 2023 revealed that the sinkhole’s depth reaches tens of meters.

“I say ‘visible’ because a similar incident occurred in 2023. After being studied by UNDIP and UGM, it turned out that if you were to ‘x-ray’ the soil, the depth is more than 50 meters,” he said.

During the 2023 incident, the local government took action by covering the hole. However, in 2026, the hole reappeared at the same location.

“But in 2023, the village government had taken action by sending heavy equipment to fill the hole. But now, in 2026, it has collapsed again at the same spot,” he said.

As an anticipatory measure, residents immediately took emergency measures independently through community work. Given the current high rainfall.

“For now, we are handling it by covering the hole with tarpaulins provided by KSB Banjararum to prevent further soil erosion. We are also creating emergency drainage and circular ditches to prevent rainwater from flowing into the subsidence area,” he said.

Furthermore, a report regarding this incident has been submitted to the village government and the Kulon Progo BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency).

“Currently, residents are waiting for the arrival of the BPBD team to conduct a technical assessment to determine the permanent handling measures,” he concluded.