Natural Disasters in West Java Widespread, Impacted by Massive Land Conversion

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - Natural disasters have struck 18 regencies and cities in West Java over the past week. The incidents, which have affected 15,470 residents, have also been exacerbated by the massive conversion of land use.

Data from the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) as of Tuesday (28/10/2025) indicates that there have been 46 disaster events in 18 districts and cities. The disasters include floods, landslides, and strong winds.

The disaster resulted in 134 houses being severely damaged, 247 houses moderately damaged, and 1,237 houses lightly damaged. Meanwhile, 3,997 houses were inundated by flooding.

A total of 15,470 residents were affected, four of whom died in the tornado.

"There was an addition of 9 disaster incidents in just one day. One of them was flooding in Sukabumi Regency, which inundated 500 houses and caused approximately 1,500 residents to evacuate," explained Hadi Rahmat Hardjasasmita, Junior Public Relations Officer of the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency.

He stated that all ranks of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in 27 regencies and cities have been instructed to remain on standby for 24 hours. This is to follow up on the decision of West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, who declared a state of emergency for natural disasters.

He urged residents, especially those living along riverbanks and in hilly areas, to enhance their preparedness and take independent mitigation measures during heavy rainfall lasting more than one hour.

"Residents need to map out safe places for evacuation. Drivers should also pull over during heavy rain accompanied by strong winds to avoid the risk of being struck by falling trees or billboards," he stated.

In response to this, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) West Java stated that one of the causes of the increased risk of disasters is the massive conversion of land in various districts and cities.

The Manager of the Education Division of Walhi West Java, M. Jefry Rohman, explained that the conversion of protected areas into plantations, mining, and tourism has eroded the environmental carrying capacity in West Java.

"In addition to plantations, such as in Bogor and Bandung Regency, there are also areas that have been converted into mining sites, particularly for sand and gravel extraction. Many of these are located on Perhutani land," said Jefry.

According to him, out of 27 regencies/cities in West Java, approximately 50 percent have experienced land conversion. As a result, the ecological function of forests as water catchment areas is increasingly diminished.

"When rainfall is high, the water is not absorbed because the catchment areas have diminished. The impact is flash floods in low-lying areas and drought during the dry season," said Jefry.

Jefry believes that local governments must promptly take mitigation measures and enforce laws against land use conversion practices that do not comply with their designated purposes. He emphasized the importance of spatial planning that is environmentally oriented and disaster risk-based.

"The government must be able to mitigate the negative impacts of this land conversion. If not, budget losses will continue to swell every time a disaster occurs," he concluded.