UGM Deploys Team to Investigate Mysterious Fires in Seyegan, Sleman

Repeated fires at the residence of Mutfiati, a resident of Seyegan in Sleman, which have occurred over the past week, remain a mystery. UGM’s Faculty of Engineering will deploy experts to observe and investigate the source and cause of the fires.

Professor Alva Edy Tontowi, coordinator of UGM’s Centre for Entropy Slowing Studies (PKPE) Faculty of Engineering, stated that seven experts from four departments will conduct the observation. A site inspection is scheduled for Saturday, 30 May, at noon.

‘There are seven people. We’ll observe tomorrow,’ Professor Alva told reporters on Friday, 29 May 2026.

The experts comprise members from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Nuclear and Physical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Geology. He explained that the team’s initial steps will involve inspecting the fire-affected site and the surrounding environment.

‘The observation will look at the source, the fire location, and the surrounding area,’ he said.

He noted that similar incidents have occurred in other locations and can be explained scientifically.

‘There are methane gas leaks, biogas, various possibilities. Some are petrol station leaks, among others,’ said the professor from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

The investigation aims to eliminate public confusion regarding the cause of the fires.

‘The general public is confused about the cause. We’re using our engineering expertise to determine what’s actually happening,’ he added.

Mutfiana, when contacted separately, confirmed that fire incidents continue to occur. The latest incident involved kitchen appliances suddenly catching fire after Friday prayers.

‘The aquarium fire was yesterday. Today, after Friday prayers, flames appeared again,’ said Fia.