Eight Majenang Landslide Victims Found, Bringing Death Toll to 11

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The joint search and rescue team found eight victims of the landslide in Majenang, Cilacap Regency, Central Java during the search on Saturday (15/11/2025). All of them were found deceased. The total number of fatalities from the Majenang landslide has risen to 11, with 13 others still missing.

The identities of the eight victims consist of Rusyanto (60) who was found at 14.21 WIB at worksite A-1 or the first work area in Cibuyut Hamlet. Then, Muhammad Hafiz (6) was found at 10.06 WIB, Nur Isnaini (30) was found at 10.44 WIB, and Asmanto (70) was found at 14.40 WIB. All three were found at worksite A-2.

"From worksite A-3, the bodies of Febriansyah (5) were found at 13.39 WIB, Rizky Pratama Ramdan (9) at 13.43 WIB, Dani Setiawan (29) at 13.45 WIB, and Satini (28) at 14.22 WIB," said Amelia.

The number of missing victims still being searched for was 13 as of Saturday afternoon, consisting of seven people in Cibuyut (worksite A) and six people in Tarukahan (worksite B). The missing victims were spread across five worksites, consisting of two people in worksite A-1 and five people in worksite A-2. Then, four people in worksite B-1 and two people in worksite B-2.

Abdullah previously stated that search and rescue operations are continuously being carried out by hundreds of personnel from Basarnas, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the military (TNI), the police (Polri), volunteers from various agencies, and local communities. To optimize the process, the joint search and rescue team has begun deploying 9 tracking dogs and 9 heavy equipment units.

The tracking dog was brought in from the Cilacap Search and Rescue Office and the Central Java Regional Police, while heavy equipment was deployed by various agency elements. "The tracking dog and heavy equipment are deployed to assist in the search and rescue process in the field," said Abdullah.

Abdullah explained that the joint SAR team and all supporting resources and equipment were deployed to the five worksites. "We continue to strengthen cross-agency coordination to ensure the proper distribution of personnel needs in the field, including logistics, equipment, and medical support," he said.

Landslides struck Cibeunying Village in Majenang District on Thursday (13/11/2025) at around 8:00 PM. According to data from the Cilacap Search and Rescue Office, the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency, and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, two hamlets were affected, namely Tarukahan and Cibuyut.

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 nearby relatives.

In addition, the landslide 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.

Weather conditions like this are very risky as they can trigger subsequent landslides. This challenge must be addressed wisely to avoid additional casualties.

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 Deputy for Emergency Management (Deputy 3) of BNPB, Budi Irawan, stated that, in accordance with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto, all relevant components are instructed to provide full support in the efforts to address the emergency response to the landslide disaster in Majenang. BNPB will ensure that all related components work together in this endeavor.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has also brought in additional resources and filled in any gaps needed in the emergency response process, from search and rescue operations to the recovery phase. "We have coordinated with the provincial BPBD and Basarnas regarding urgent needs for search and rescue operations. We will assist with all needs during the golden period," Budi said while leading a coordination meeting in Majenang on Friday evening.

So far, the unfavorable weather and unstable ground have posed challenges for the search and rescue operations. In fact, the search and rescue operations were temporarily halted on Friday at 4:30 PM WIB due to heavy rain falling again. "Such weather is very risky as it can trigger subsequent landslides. This challenge must be addressed wisely to avoid additional casualties," said Budi.

The Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center of BNPB, Abdul Muhari, stated that based on weather forecasts, light to moderate rain is likely to occur almost uniformly in the Majenang area until Sunday (16/11/2025). This could increase the risk factors for landslides. Moreover, the topography of the Majenang area is basin-shaped, making it highly susceptible to landslides.

The combination of severe weather and risky topography is suspected to be the cause of the landslide in Majenang yesterday. Therefore, the BNPB urges joint SAR teams and the surrounding community to remain vigilant against the possibility of aftershocks. "If it rains with high intensity for more than one hour, everyone is urged to immediately evacuate to a safer location," said Abdul.