A landslide disaster in Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, on January 24, 2026, has killed 25 people with 65 others still missing. Joint SAR teams continue evacuation efforts despite heavy rain, while ITB experts reveal complex causes involving mudflow from a natural dam. Two police officers also died in an accident while on duty at the site.
The landslide struck Pasirkuning and Pasirkuda villages in Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, and Sukadami Village in Sukajaya Village, Lembang District, West Bandung Regency, in the early hours of Saturday, January 24, 2026. The event was triggered by prolonged heavy rain causing slopes on Mount Burangrang to slide, forming a natural dam upstream of a river and triggering a mudflow downstream.
ITB landslide geology expert Imam Achmad Sadisun explained that the area features old volcanic products with thick weathering layers, which weaken when soil becomes saturated with water. "Residents' houses did not actually landslide on the slopes where they stand, but were impacted by landslide material sent from upstream through the river channel," he said. He warned of potential follow-up landslides if rain continues, emphasizing vegetation's role in maintaining slope stability.
By January 25, 2026, the joint SAR team had handed over 25 body bags to the DVI team, with 11 identified, including Suryana (57), Jajang Tarta (35), and M. Kori (30) from a hand fragment. 65 victims remain missing, while 23 were rescued. Search operations were temporarily halted at 4:00 PM due to heavy rain and a follow-up landslide, resuming the next day with additional heavy equipment.
BMKG forecasts heavy rain for the next week, heightening risks of further disasters. DPR member Rajiv from the NasDem Fraction expressed condolences and urged a comprehensive environmental audit, including land use conversion investigations. "There must be courage to investigate whether this landslide was triggered by environmental damage," he stressed.
The tragedy worsened when two police officers, Aiptu Hendra Kurniawan and Aipda Muhammad Jerry Sonconery, were killed after being hit by a TNI truck carrying aid around 3:30 PM on Cimeta Road. Both received posthumous promotions from the National Police Chief. Over 30 houses were damaged, and 300-400 residents evacuated.
