Inp.polri.go.id - Blora.  A village head disclosed  on Tuesday (19/8/2025) that at least 60 community-managed oil wells have been operating in Gandu Village, Blora Regency, raising concerns over safety in densely populated areas.

“There are about 60 oil wells run by villagers, and 10 of them are located right in the middle of residential areas producing oil daily,” said Gandu Village Head Iwan Sucipto, as quoted by antaranews.com

The wells, mostly unregulated, emerged after residents drilling for water stumbled upon crude oil deposits. News of the discovery spread quickly, attracting outside financiers who supported further drilling. 

Despite repeated warnings from local authorities, villagers continued operations, citing the wells as an economic lifeline in the once drought-stricken area.

Tensions escalated after a deadly incident on SUnday, when a fire at one of the wells killed three people, including a child, and left two others hospitalized with severe burns. Officials are now weighing stricter enforcement.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)