Tragic Landslides in Central Java, Indonesia Claim 30 Lives as Rescue Efforts Continue
JAKARTA, Indonesia – November 21, 2025 – The death toll from devastating landslides in Central Java, Indonesia, has risen to 30 as rescue operations persist, authorities confirmed on Friday. Torrential rains last week triggered multiple landslides in Cilacap city and the Banjarnegara region, leaving communities reeling from destruction and loss.

According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), 21 people remain missing following the landslides, which have damaged dozens of homes and displaced hundreds of residents. The most severely affected area, Banjarnegara, saw rescuers recover seven more bodies on Thursday, bringing the total deaths there to 10, with 18 still unaccounted for, agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari reported.

“We face several obstacles in the search, particularly with landslide ponds filled with debris and continuously flowing waters. Ongoing rains also raise the risk of additional landslides,” Muhari said.

In addition to the fatalities, seven people sustained injuries, and more than 900 residents were evacuated from Banjarnegara. Authorities have deployed at least 700 rescuers, including police and military personnel, using excavators and heavy machinery to accelerate the search for missing victims.

Meanwhile, in Cilacap, rescue teams discovered four more bodies earlier this week, raising the death toll in that city to 20, with three individuals still missing. Search operations there have been extended into next week, as nearly 400 residents were evacuated to safer locations.

Causes and Risks: Torrential Rain and Indonesia’s Wet Season

Indonesia’s wet season, which started in September and continues until April, brings heightened risks of extreme rainfall, floods, and landslides in many regions. The recent events in Central Java highlight the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters during this period, especially in areas with hilly terrain and river valleys prone to erosion.

Experts warn that communities in Central Java and surrounding provinces must remain vigilant, as ongoing rains can trigger additional landslides, putting both residents and rescuers at risk. Local authorities continue to monitor weather forecasts and issue evacuation orders as necessary to prevent further casualties.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Community Response

The rescue operations in Banjarnegara and Cilacap are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly despite challenging conditions. Officials emphasized the importance of community preparedness and early warning systems to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Residents have been advised to avoid landslide-prone areas and follow guidance from disaster management authorities.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure, emergency response planning, and public awareness in Indonesia, a country frequently impacted by landslides, floods, and other climate-related disasters.

Authorities and humanitarian organizations are coordinating to provide shelter, medical aid, and essential supplies to those displaced by the landslides, while engineers and rescue teams continue clearing debris and searching for missing individuals.