Several Areas in Central Java Lack Disaster Risk Assessments, and Cilacap's has Expired

SEMARANG, KOMPAS — Central Java is one of the regions with the highest number of disasters in the country. In the midst of this situation, the disaster risk assessment in six areas, including Cilacap, has expired. Furthermore, it was reported that four areas do not have a disaster risk assessment that serves as a basis for planning disaster management.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded that Central Java is the region with the second highest number of disasters in Indonesia. From January 1 to November 16, 2025, there were 2,870 disasters that occurred in the country. Of this number, 382 disasters occurred in West Java. In the second highest position is Central Java, with a total of 291 incidents.

Throughout 2025, the most frequent disaster occurring in Central Java was landslides, with a total of 167 incidents. Based on data regarding potential hazards and landslide risks in Central Java, there are seven regions classified as high-risk, namely Cilacap, Banyumas, Banjarnegara, Wonosobo, Wonogiri, Pekalongan, and Brebes.

The Deputy for Systems and Strategies of BNPB, Raditya Jati, stated that amidst the numerous disasters occurring in Central Java, there are still six regions whose risk assessments have expired, namely Cilacap, Purworejo, Wonogiri, Grobogan, Temanggung, and the City of Semarang. Additionally, there are areas that do not yet have disaster risk assessments in Klaten, the City of Surakarta, the City of Pekalongan, and the City of Tegal.

Meanwhile, as many as eight regions, as stated by Raditya, do not have disaster management plans, namely Sukoharjo, Grobogan, Rembang, Kudus, Temanggung, Surakarta City, Pekalongan City, and Tegal City. Furthermore, the validity period of disaster management plans in nine regions has expired, namely Cilacap, Magelang, Klaten, Wonogiri, Jepara, Semarang Regency, Kendal, Brebes, and Magelang City.

"There are several areas that no longer have a disaster risk assessment, including Cilacap. So, Cilacap's validity period has expired because it is from 2014 to 2018. Then its disaster management plan is also no longer valid. So, later, I ask that those who do not have one or whose one has expired, please update it because if not, you will not understand which areas have potential risks, including landslides and so on," said Raditya in a coordination meeting on Central Java's disaster preparedness at the Central Java Governor's Office, Tuesday (11/18/2025).

Disaster risk assessments and disaster response plans are considered by Raditya to be important and mandatory for every district/city. This is because they will serve as a foundation for local governments in formulating long-term and annual disaster response planning. These documents can also assist the government in developing policies and strategies for disaster management, including the formulation of regional regulations and budget allocations.

Not only should it be compiled, but afterward, the disaster risk assessment and disaster response plan must also be socialized to the community, including through simulations. This way, the community can understand how long and how they can carry out self-evacuation in the event of early signs of a disaster. Consequently, the number of victims can be minimized.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has also instructed the regents/mayors in his region to re-map vulnerable points, including flood-prone areas such as Semarang, Demak, Jepara, Pekalongan, and Cilacap. Areas at risk of landslides, such as Banjarnegara, Purbalingga, Wonosobo, Kebumen, Karanganyar, and Cilacap, have also been requested to conduct mapping.

"All vulnerable points must be reviewed. Where are the waterways, where are the potential landslides, and which locations must be secured," he said.

Luthfi also urged the regional governments to ensure the readiness of human resources, infrastructure, and logistics. Early warning systems must also be implemented down to the village level. This is in consideration of the fact that the peak of the rainy season is expected to occur in December.

Luthfi stated that there should be no sectoral ego in disaster management. Not only the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), but disaster management is referred to by Luthfi as a shared responsibility.

Cilacap Landslide

The Assistant for Government and People's Welfare of the Cilacap Regional Secretariat, Sumbowo, stated that the handling of the landslide disaster in Cibeunying Village, Majenang District, is ongoing. As of Tuesday, the search for victims is still being conducted.

According to data from the Cilacap Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), there were 18 fatalities in the landslide disaster that occurred on Thursday (13/11/2025). Meanwhile, five individuals are still in the process of being searched for. They are Nina, Fani, Fatin, and Danu, who are residents of Dusun Tarukahan, as well as Aca, who is a resident of Dusun Cibuyut.

"Indeed, there are already quite a number of heavy equipment and volunteer teams, but determining the location of the victims is indeed difficult. The search dogs are also having trouble because the soil is too deep, possibly beyond their scent detection range. The depth of the soil is about 3-4 meters," said Sumbowo.

Previously, the Cilacap Regency Government had declared a state of emergency. The search operation is targeted to continue until Thursday (20/11/2025). Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that the operation may be extended for another seven days until Thursday (27/11/2025).