UPN Jogja Geologists Suspect Methane Gas from Former Swamp Caused Fire Terror in Sleman

A team of geologists from Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN) “Veteran” Jogja has suspected that methane gas from a former swamp is the cause of repeated fires at a house in Seyegan, Sleman. The team conducted observations at the site this morning, with Faculty of Mineral and Energy Technology Dean Prof. Dr. Ir. RM. Basuki Rahmad noting concentrated gas emissions within the house.

The gas emissions are believed to originate from a river area approximately 300 metres from the residence, where dark rock formations with water pools emitting gas bubbles were observed. Basuki stated that the dark rocks likely store methane gas. “We found gas bubbles strongly indicative of methane, CH4, directly beneath the Nepen Bridge,” he said at the site on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

Gas pressure is relatively weak, yet still visible emerging from beneath the water surface. “This suggests the gas source is methane from a former swamp, indicating the area was once a wetland,” he explained. The team also detected fault lines trending northwards, suspected as gas migration pathways leading to the resident’s home.

Basuki assessed the current situation as relatively safe, with no further gas or fire emissions. A joint team will monitor the area for about a month to confirm stability. “Gas levels appear to have decreased, with no signs of fire. We hope to wait a month; if no further emissions occur, this incident may be classified as moderate or minor,” he added. Initial checks indicated low pressure, making the gas non-hazardous. “In short, by God’s will, the gas is not dangerous due to its low pressure,” he concluded.

Previously reported, repeated fires had occurred at Mutfiana’s house in Seyegan, Sleman over the past week. Gegana teams and UGM experts were deployed to investigate the mysterious fires. Since Saturday, 23 May, flames erupted 39 times across 34 different points in the house, burning fabrics, furniture, and other flammable materials. “Total of 39 incidents across 34 separate points—furniture, clothing, mats, anything flammable. Oddly, the top parts burned while the underside remained intact,” Mutfiana said during an interview on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Mutfiana reported the incident to police, who deployed Gegana. Their findings suggested a septic tank leak causing combustible methane gas. Despite repairing the septic system, fires continued to erupt unexpectedly. “We followed Gegana’s recommendations. Clothes have been moved, but fires still occur,” she said. Gegana later advised that residual underground methane was still dissipating. “It’s just the remaining gas from underground; methane can take weeks or months to fully dissipate,” she quoted.

Mutfiana and her family are temporarily sheltering next door at night but continue to guard the property, which also serves as a chicken slaughterhouse. “We’re staying next door, not too far. We still keep watch because if we’re late to notice, everything could catch fire,” she said.