Devastating Landslide in West Java Claims Dozens of Lives

Bandung, West Java, 27 January 2026 — A catastrophic landslide in Indonesia’s West Java province has claimed the lives of at least 23 military personnel, with a further 42 reported missing, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred in Pasir Langu village, Bandung Barat Regency, following relentless heavy rainfall that had drenched the region for over 24 hours. The village is situated approximately 100 kilometres south-east of the national capital, Jakarta.

First Admiral Tungul, spokesperson for the Indonesian Navy, stated that the victims were members of the Marine Corps undergoing training in preparation for border patrol duties along the Indonesia–Papua New Guinea frontier. “The landslide struck amid torrential rain and severe weather while the personnel were engaged in field exercises,” Tungul explained.

The Indonesian National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) also provided an update. Spokesperson Abdul Muhari noted that initial reports had estimated the death toll at between 17 and 20, but the confirmed figure has now risen to 23. Rescue operations are ongoing in a desperate bid to locate the 42 individuals still missing.

Local authorities and the military have deployed a combined force of 800 personnel, including rescue workers and police, supported by nine excavators, to search the affected area. Meanwhile, 685 residents of Pasir Langu village have been evacuated to government facilities for safety.

This tragedy forms part of a broader pattern of extreme weather across Java this year. Several regions have experienced flooding due to prolonged heavy rainfall, including Jakarta and parts of Central and West Java last week. The recent disasters echo a larger calamity that struck Sumatra two months ago, where cyclones and landslides resulted in nearly 1,200 fatalities and displaced over a million residents.

Authorities warn that the combination of mountainous terrain and persistent rainfall in Java continues to present a high risk of landslides. Emergency services and local administrations are maintaining heightened alert levels and accelerating recovery and relief operations.

The following table summarises the recent landslides and their impact:

Experts emphasise that the monsoon season, combined with the steep topography of Java’s interior, leaves communities highly vulnerable. Authorities continue to urge residents to adhere to safety advisories and remain vigilant.