Wastewater Channel at Malioboro Terrace Explodes, Suspected Due to Methane Gas

The wastewater channel (SAL) at Teras Malioboro in Yogyakarta City exploded, injuring three tourists. The explosion is suspected to have been caused by methane gas.

The incident occurred at 07:20 WIB earlier today. The exploded SAL was located on the ground floor at the rear of the Ground Floor Culinary Area of Teras Malioboro 1. The explosion site is now cordoned off with police tape.

Ps Kasihumas of Polresta Jogja, Ipda Anton Budi Susilo, explained that initial analysis suggests the explosion was caused by high pressure in a confined space. This led to structural failure of the channel cover, resulting in a physical explosion.

“The explosion is strongly suspected to have been triggered by a blockage in the wastewater disposal system (bio-filter),” Anton stated in his remarks on Monday (30/3/2026).

“This blockage caused fermentation of organic waste to produce a large amount of methane gas (CH₄) that was trapped without adequate circulation (ventilation),” he added.

Anton said the explosion originated from one system consisting of four drainage holes. Due to the underground pressure, the concrete flooring material was lifted and shattered as the four wastewater channels exploded simultaneously.

The explosion also resulted in at least three injured victims. The three are a family from Bangkalan, East Java, who were touring Teras Malioboro.

“Exposure to hot gas from inside the channel affected the three victims, who are a family present near the location,” Anton said.

“ZA (60), male, burns on the arm; MI (54), female, burns on the left side of the face and right leg; and O (15), burns on the neck,” he detailed.

The Head of the Integrated Business Service Centre for KUMKM at Teras Malioboro, Wisnu Hermawan, said his team acted swiftly by taking the victims to RSUP Dr Sardjito. Wisnu stated that they are covering the treatment costs for the family of tourists.

“The tourists from East Java suffered burns ranging from 2% to 5%. They have now been discharged from the hospital and their condition has recovered,” Wisnu explained when met at Teras Malioboro this afternoon.

“They have returned from the hospital to their hotel, as the burns, assessed by medical staff at RSUP Dr Sardjito, are categorised as outpatient treatment, so no inpatient care is required,” he concluded.