TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A team of researchers from Bandung’s Institute of Technology (ITB) Geodesy recorded that the land subsidence in the region is considered as one of the most rapid and extensive in the world.

“There is incredibly massive land subsidence happening,” said the head of the research team, Irwan Gumilar.

The team that comprises of Heri Andreas and Hasanuddin Z. Abidin found that the subsidence in Bandung’s areas ranges from 5 - 10 centimeters up to 15 - 20 centimeters annually. The location is spread across the Bandung Basin.

“It affects areas such as Cimahi, Dayeuh, Kolot, Gede Bage, Kopo, Banjaran, Majalaya, and Rancaekek,” said Irwan on Saturday.

The research itself has been ongoing since the year 2000 and could classify as a silent hazard or silent killer, where people do not immediately notice its effects that will only emerge in the years ahead. The team uses two methods; satellite imagery and the use of a global positioning system (GPS) tracker.

The ITB research team findings were also confirmed by international researchers, which makes Irwan positive that there will be no more debates between scientists upon the land subsidence looming under Bandung.

ANWAR SISWADI