The heavy rains have once again highlighted the dangers of Indonesia’s unpredictable terrain, as 19 elite marines are among the 80 missing in a devastating landslide.
See the video further down this report.
Story Overview
- A landslide in Pasir Langu, West Java, has buried a marine training camp, leaving 80 individuals missing.
- Nineteen elite Marines are among the missing, with the incident sparking major rescue efforts.
- Rescue operations have scaled up, involving over 2,100 personnel using advanced equipment.
- Indonesia’s vulnerability to landslides is underscored, raising concerns about military training in such areas.
Tragic Landslide Strikes Indonesian Village
In the early hours of Saturday, Pasir Langu village on the slopes of Mount Burangrang in West Java was tragically buried under a landslide. Triggered by two nights of relentless rain, the landslide engulfed a military training camp and 34 homes, leading to the disappearance of 80 people, including 19 elite marines.
The incident highlights the precarious nature of Indonesia’s terrain during the rainy season, a recurring challenge for residents and authorities alike.
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 scope of the disaster has prompted an expansive rescue operation, with over 2,100 personnel combing through mud and debris. The Indonesian Navy has confirmed that four marines have been found dead, intensifying the urgency to locate the remaining missing individuals.
The operation is hampered by the thick mud, which reaches depths of up to eight meters, and the narrow access roads that limit machinery deployment.
Challenges of Rescue Operations
Rescue teams face significant hurdles in their attempts to locate and recover those missing in the landslide. The narrow roads and unstable ground have severely restricted the use of heavy machinery, necessitating manual digging and the use of drones for aerial surveys.
The National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) has detailed the challenging conditions and the scale of the mudslide, which spans two kilometers.
Admiral Muhammad Ali of the Indonesian Navy has emphasized the difficulties posed by the terrain, reiterating that the steep slopes and heavy rains make it a high-risk area. This disaster has not only raised questions about the safety of military training exercises in such vulnerable locations but also about the broader implications of climate change and disaster preparedness in the region.
Implications and Future Considerations
In the wake of this tragedy, there is an urgent need to reassess the suitability of military training sites located in areas prone to natural disasters. The Indonesian government may need to implement stricter policies regarding the use of such sites, especially during the rainy season. Additionally, this incident is likely to spur discussions on improving infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of severe weather events.
Indonesian marines among 80 missing in deadly West Java landslide https://t.co/jOQoQ0rPvm
— CTV News Winnipeg (@ctvwinnipeg) January 26, 2026
While the immediate focus remains on rescue efforts and providing support to affected families, there is a clear need for a long-term strategy to mitigate the risks associated with Indonesia’s geographical vulnerabilities. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the resilience of its communities and the effectiveness of its disaster response mechanisms will be tested.
Sources:
Indonesian marines among 80 missing in deadly West Java landslide – ABC News
Indonesian marines among 80 missing in deadly West Java landslide – CityNews Halifax
