BNPB Targets All Missing Victims to be Found During the Golden Period

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is targeting the recovery of 20 missing victims of the Majenang landslide in Cilacap Regency, Central Java, during the search and rescue process's golden period. To that end, BNPB is deploying logistics and supporting equipment and conducting weather modification operations to anticipate further landslides.

"The golden time for the SAR (search and rescue) process is 6x24 hours. However, because this landslide occurred in one location, we are confident that all missing victims will be found before the golden time ends," said BNPB Head Suharyanto to the media in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, on Friday (11/14/2025).

Based on data from the Cilacap Search and Rescue Office, the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), a landslide struck the village of Cibeunying in the Majenang District on Thursday (13/11/2025) at around 20:00. Two hamlets were affected, namely Tarukahan and Cibuyut.

The incident resulted in three fatalities as of Friday afternoon, namely Maya Dwi Lestari (15), Julia Lestari (20), and Yuni (45). All of them were from Tarukahan. Additionally, 20 individuals remain missing, with six in Tarukahan and 14 in Cibuyut.

There are also three injured victims, named Maya, Haryanto, and Andi. They have been taken to the Majenang Regional Hospital for medical treatment. A total of 23 individuals have survived and have sought refuge at the homes of close relatives.

In addition to causing loss of life, the landslide resulted in material losses. There are 12 houses severely damaged due to being buried under landslide materials, 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 residential areas 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.

So far, the unfriendly weather and unstable ground have posed challenges to the search and rescue (SAR) process. The SAR operation involves approximately 200 combined personnel, including the National Search and Rescue Agency, BPBD Tagana, PMI, the military, the police, volunteers, and local communities.

Suharyanto stated that several efforts have been made to ensure that the search and rescue (SAR) process yields optimal and safe results for the personnel on duty. His team has relocated various logistics and supporting equipment for the SAR process, including manual digging tools, heavy machinery, and water pumps.

"Gradually, the necessary equipment will continue to be moved to the landslide-affected locations. Since the landslide occurred just last night, some equipment is not immediately available at the affected site," he said.

In addition, Suharyanto stated that the weather modification operation (OMC) currently being conducted in West Java and DKI Jakarta will soon be shifted to Central Java, particularly around areas affected by landslides. The aim is to hold back the rain to ensure that the soil remains stable, thereby minimizing the risk of subsequent landslides.

"With OMC, we can hold back the rain to prevent the risk of subsequent landslides. This is very important to ensure the safety of the joint SAR team in the field and the community surrounding the affected areas," he stated.

According to Suharyanto, the potential for aftershocks in the landslide-affected areas is currently very high. The reason is that light to moderate rain is still likely to occur in the Majenang region in the coming days.

On the other hand, the land contours in several areas are unstable or prone to landslides. "Therefore, we also urge the community to evacuate from critical or landslide-prone locations, especially from areas that have recently been affected by landslides," he stated.

Meanwhile, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that the search and rescue process for the missing victims is the top priority. Therefore, they will provide full attention and support in this process.

"Logistics, equipment, and personnel from the Central Java Provincial Government have been deployed to the landslide-affected area. Together with the ranks of the Cilacap Regency Government, the military, the police, and other related agencies, we are working hand in hand to handle the situation and conduct search and rescue operations for the missing victims," he said.

The Head of the Central Java BPBD, Bergas Catursasi Penanggungan, stated that to support the search and rescue process for the missing victims, access to the landslide-affected area has been widened. The aim is to facilitate the search and rescue operations, particularly for the entry and exit of equipment or heavy machinery.

In addition, the rapid response team continues to be on standby in the field to monitor the developments of the situation and the potential for extreme weather. On the other hand, the local social services have provided logistical assistance, established community kitchens, supplied sleeping equipment, and prepared shelters for the affected residents.