12 Majenang Landslide Victims Remain Missing, Dozens of Excavators and Nine Tracking Dogs Deployed

PADANG, KOMPAS — The joint Search and Rescue team has intensified the search operations for 12 missing victims in the landslide disaster in Majenang District, Cilacap Regency, Central Java. A total of 21 excavators, 17 compressor assistance tools, and nine tracking dogs (K-9) have been deployed to search for victims buried under the landslide material.

Head of the Cilacap SAR Office, Muhamad Abdullah, in a press release, Sunday (11/16/2025), said that the search operation on the fourth day of the landslide was focused on four main points, namely two points (worksite A-1 and A-2) in Cibuyut Hamlet to search for 6 victims and two points (worksite B-1 and B-2) in Tarukahan Hamlet to search for 6 other victims.

"We have divided the affected area into four priority sectors. The deployment of 21 excavators aims to expedite access opening and the removal of materials, while K-9 units and pumps function optimally in detecting and drying areas suspected to be survivor locations," said Abdullah.

According to Abdullah, the biggest challenge for the team in the process of searching for victims in the field is the unpredictable weather. High rainfall poses significant risks as it can cause the soil to become unstable and potentially trigger subsequent landslides.

Previously, a landslide struck Cibeunying Village in Majenang District on Thursday (13/11/2025) at around 20:00. According to data from the Cilacap Search and Rescue Office, Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency, and the National Disaster Management Agency, two hamlets were affected, namely Tarukahan and Cibuyut.

The landslide resulted in 11 fatalities and 12 other individuals missing. Data from the Cilacap Search and Rescue Office indicates that three deceased victims were found on Friday (14/11/2025) afternoon, namely Maya Dwi Lestari (15), Julia Lestari (20), and Yuni (45), who were from Dusun Tarukahan.

In addition to the deceased and missing victims, the landslide caused three injuries, namely Maya, Haryanto, and Andi. They have been taken to Majenang Regional Hospital for medical treatment. A total of 23 individuals survived and have sought refuge at the homes of close relatives.

In addition, the landslide also caused material losses. There are 12 houses severely damaged due to being buried under landslide material, and 16 houses in Tarukahan and Cibuyut are at risk of landslides.

The landslide occurred due to heavy rain that has been pouring since Thursday afternoon and unstable soil conditions. The landslide material not only buried settlements but also caused land subsidence of approximately 2 meters deep and cracks extending up to 25 meters in length. The total affected area is around 6.5 hectares.

The Central Java Provincial Government, in a press release, stated that the search process for missing victims involves 747 joint SAR teams, including those from Basarnas, the military, the police, disaster response volunteers, and others. In the initial phase, the SAR operation is planned to last for seven days from the time of the incident.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi urged the joint team to continue their efforts in searching for the victims until all have been found. He also called on the public to remain vigilant.

"Especially for residents living in disaster-prone areas, given that rainfall is still high," said Luthfi on Saturday (November 15, 2025).

Luthfi stated that this week, officials plan to conduct a weather modification operation (OMC) in the Cilacap area. The aim is to ensure that the search and rescue operations run optimally. Previously, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds posed challenges in the search for missing victims.