indonesia Landslide Death Toll Climbs to 49 Amid Funding Concerns for Rescue Agency
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the death toll from a landslide in west Java province, Indonesia, has reached 49 as of Jan. 31, with 15 individuals still unaccounted for, according to the country’s national rescue agency, Basarnas. The tragedy underscores Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters and raises questions about the preparedness of its emergency response infrastructure.
Landslide Follows Recent Disaster and Military Tragedy
The landslide struck Pasir Langu village in the Bandung Barat region on Jan. 24, triggered by a period of intense rainfall. This event follows closely on the heels of devastating cyclone-induced floods and landslides that impacted the island of Sumatra in late 2025, resulting in 1,200 fatalities and displacing over one million residents.
Adding to the recent string of crises, the Indonesian navy reported on Jan. 27 that 23 soldiers were killed while participating in border patrol training exercises. The confluence of these events highlights the notable challenges facing Indonesia in managing and responding to widespread emergencies.
Rescue Efforts Extended, Funding Cut
Basarnas has extended the emergency response period for an additional seven days, until Feb. 6, to continue the search for the missing individuals. However, the agency’s ability to effectively respond to future disasters has been called into question following a decision by a parliamentary panel on Jan. 28 to reduce its funding.
“Despite the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, the agency is facing budgetary constraints,” a senior official stated. This decision has sparked concern among disaster management experts, who argue that adequate funding is crucial for maintaining a robust and effective rescue operation.
Indonesia’s Disaster Vulnerability
Indonesia is situated within the “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to seismic activity and volcanic eruptions, making it especially susceptible to natural disasters. Heavy rainfall and deforestation further exacerbate the risk of landslides, especially in mountainous areas. The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and sustainable land management practices.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between environmental factors, government funding, and the capacity of emergency response agencies to protect vulnerable populations. The ongoing rescue efforts and the debate surrounding Basarnas‘ funding will likely shape Indonesia’s disaster management strategy in the months and years to come.
Why did this happen? The landslide in Pasir Langu village, Bandung Barat, was triggered by intense rainfall on January 24th. this followed a series of other disasters, including cyclone-induced floods and landslides on Sumatra in late 2025, which caused 1,200 deaths and displaced over a million people, and the deaths of 23 soldiers during training exercises.
Who was affected? The landslide directly impacted residents of Pasir Langu village. As of January 31st, 49 people were confirmed dead and 15 remain missing. The broader Indonesian population is vulnerable due to the country’s location in the Ring of Fire and susceptibility to extreme weather events. The recent disasters on Sumatra and the military tragedy also affected large numbers of people.
What happened? A landslide struck Pasir Langu village, West Java, resulting in a significant loss of life and ongoing search efforts. Simultaneously, Indonesia is grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding and landslides on Sumatra and the loss of soldiers in a training accident.A parliamentary panel has also decided to cut funding for Basarnas, the national rescue agency.
How did it end? Rescue efforts are ongoing, extended until February 6th, to locate the 15
