The local government of Gianyar, Bali, is launching an investigation into the cause of a massive sinkhole that appeared in Banjar Cebok, Kedisan Village, Tegallalang District. This enormous hole, measuring approximately 30 metres in diameter and 70 metres deep, severed access to the Tegallalang-Tampaksiring tourist road on Monday, the 11th of September, 2023, at 11 p.m. WITA. This road served as a vital tourist route and a daily commute for residents, including students and farmers.
Ida Bagus Suamba, the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Gianyar Regency, stated that both the BPBD and the Public Works and People’s Housing Agency (Dinas PUPR) of Gianyar have already visited the site of the road collapse. According to information gathered from residents, the road began to show signs of deterioration since December 2021 due to extreme weather conditions. “This is still under investigation by the PUPR. Based on their initial assessment, the cost of repairing the road and constructing a bridge could reach IDR 40 billion,” said Suamba on Thursday, the 14th of September, 2023.
In the meantime, residents in Gianyar regency must navigate an alternate path adjacent to the sinkhole. This precarious route is only passable on foot, and travelers must exercise extreme caution. Suamba explained that a small drainage channel is beneath the collapsed road. It is believed that this channel has been gradually eroding the soil over the past three years, culminating in the collapse on Monday night. However, Suamba emphasised that the exact cause of the sinkhole is still under investigation.
The appearance of this sinkhole in Gianyar has raised significant concerns among residents and authorities alike. While the immediate focus is on restoring safe access to the affected areas, the long-term goal is to determine the root cause of the collapse and implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The Gianyar Regency government is committed to ensuring its citizens’ and visitors’ safety and well-being.
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The investigation into the sinkhole in Gianyar will continue as experts work to uncover the exact factors that led to this massive geological event. Meanwhile, residents and tourists are urged to exercise caution when travelling through the area and to follow updates from local authorities regarding road access and safety measures.
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