Disaster Agency Ramps Up Landslide Emergency Response in C. Java
Jakarta. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has intensified emergency operations in the landslide-hit district of Cilacap, Central Java, following direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to accelerate rescue efforts.
“President Prabowo expressed his condolences and ordered BNPB to go directly to the site to speed up the response in Majenang throughout the emergency period,” said BNPB Deputy for Emergency Management Budi Irawan on Saturday.
Following a coordination meeting with the Cilacap Regency government, authorities confirmed that 512 personnel have been deployed. The joint forces include search and rescue agency Basarnas, regional disaster officials, the military, police, social welfare teams, and multiple volunteer groups.
To accelerate the search for victims, BNPB has increased the number of heavy machinery units to eight and deployed search dogs (K9). Rescue operations are concentrated in Cibeunying village, Majenang subdistrict, the area hardest hit by the landslide.
“Basic needs for affected residents are being supplied through public kitchens and health posts, which are serving both communities and rescue workers,” Budi said.
According to a BNPB report, eight victims were found as of Saturday, the third day of search operations, bringing the total to 11, with 10 others still missing.
Rescue teams are working carefully amid unstable terrain and intermittent light-to-moderate rainfall that could trigger additional landslides.
Authorities have evacuated several families living near the impact zone to safer locations under the supervision of joint emergency teams.
BNPB urged residents to remain alert to potential rainfall through Sunday, especially in the Majenang basin area, which is highly prone to land movement.
