The SAR Team Deployed 9 Tracker Dogs and 9 Heavy Equipment Units to the Majenang Landslide Site

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Entering the third day after the landslide in Majenang, Cilacap Regency, Central Java, the combined search and rescue team deployed 9 search dogs and 9 heavy equipment units to assist in the search for 20 missing victims. The search dogs and heavy equipment were distributed across five work areas in two affected hamlets.

The Head of the Cilacap Search and Rescue Office, Muhamad Abdullah, stated on Saturday (15/11/2025) that the search and rescue (SAR) operation continues to be carried out by 512 personnel from Basarnas, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the military, the police, volunteers from various agencies, and local communities. To optimize the process, the joint SAR team has also begun to deploy 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 sourced from 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 stated that the joint Search and Rescue team, along with all their supporting resources and equipment, was deployed to five work sites in two affected hamlets, namely Cibuyut Hamlet (worksite A) and Tarukahan Hamlet (worksite B). At least 14 individuals are missing in Cibuyut, comprising 3 people at worksite A-1, 7 people at worksite A-2, and 4 people at worksite A-3.

The remaining 6 individuals are missing in Tarukahan, consisting of 4 people at worksite B-1 and 2 people at worksite B-2. "We continue to strengthen inter-agency coordination to ensure that the needs of personnel in the field are well distributed, including logistics, equipment, and medical support," said Abdullah.

Based on data from the Cilacap Search and Rescue Office, the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency, and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, 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 (14/11/2025) afternoon, namely Maya Dwi Lestari (15), Julia Lestari (20), and Yuni (45). All of them were from Tarukahan. Conversely, 20 individuals remain missing, consisting of six people in Tarukahan and 14 people in Cibuyut.

These tracking dogs and heavy equipment were deployed to assist the SAR process in the field.

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

In addition to causing loss of life, the landslide resulted in material damage. 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 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 ordered to provide full support in the efforts to address the emergency response to the landslide disaster in Majenang. Therefore, 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 the gaps still needed in the emergency response efforts, ranging from search and rescue operations to the recovery phase. "We have coordinated with the provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) regarding urgent needs in the search and rescue operations. We will assist with all necessities during the golden time (critical period for search and rescue)," said Budi while leading a coordination meeting in Majenang on Friday night.

So far, the unfriendly 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 believed 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.