
A landslide in West Java leaves 80 missing, including elite Marines, highlighting natural disaster vulnerabilities.
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Story Highlights
- Heavy rainfall causes a deadly landslide in West Java, Indonesia.
- Nineteen elite Indonesian Marines are among the 80 missing.
- Rescue efforts are hampered by unstable terrain and mud.
- The involvement of military personnel adds complexity to the tragedy.
Landslide Tragedy Unfolds in West Java
A catastrophic landslide occurred in Pasir Langu village, West Java, Indonesia, during the early hours of Saturday. The natural disaster, triggered by intense rainfall over two nights, struck the training camp of 23 elite Indonesian marines and engulfed 34 nearby houses.
As of the latest reports, 80 people, including 19 marines, are missing in the thick mud, which is up to eight meters deep. This event underscores the persistent threat of seasonal landslides in Indonesia.
Indonesian authorities resumed their search for 80 missing people after a landslide killed at least 10 in West Java province https://t.co/22YxvIciTc pic.twitter.com/ossWY6LjRz
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 25, 2026
The initial search efforts began over the weekend with 500 personnel. By Monday, the operation had expanded to include 2,100 personnel, utilizing hands, pumps, drones, and excavators. The rugged terrain and narrow access roads have posed significant challenges, limiting the use of heavy machinery.
The search for survivors continues, with 17 confirmed dead, including four marines. The community and rescue teams face ongoing difficulties as they navigate the unstable ground.
The Role of the Indonesian Navy and Civilian Agencies
The Indonesian Navy, led by Chief of Staff Adm. Muhammad Ali, is actively involved in the recovery operations. The Marines were preparing for a crucial border assignment with Papua New Guinea when the landslide struck.
The Navy’s efforts are supported by the National Disaster Management Agency and the National Search and Rescue Agency, which are coordinating the multi-agency search. This collaboration highlights the importance of military and civilian cooperation in disaster response.
The search operation is a complex endeavor, with the terrain complicating access and rescue efforts. The agencies involved are motivated by public safety and the need to recover missing personnel swiftly. Despite the challenges, the search teams remain committed to their mission, utilizing all available resources to locate the missing individuals.
Implications and Community Impact
The immediate implications of the landslide are profound. The rescue operations are delayed due to the challenging terrain, and the evacuation of 230 residents has strained local shelters.
In the long term, this disaster may lead to a reassessment of military training sites and disaster preparedness, particularly during the rainy season. The economic, social, and political impacts are significant, with scrutiny on infrastructure resilience and community safety measures.
Indonesian marines among 80 missing in deadly West Java landslide https://t.co/jOQoQ0rPvm
— CTV News Winnipeg (@ctvwinnipeg) January 26, 2026
For the families of the missing Marines and the local community, the emotional toll is immense. The landslide serves as a stark reminder of the natural hazards faced by Indonesia, an archipelago prone to seasonal disasters. As the search continues, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected by this tragic event.
Sources:
Indonesian marines among 80 missing in deadly West Java landslide
Indonesian marines among 80 missing in deadly West Java landslide






















