Heavy Machinery Boosted in West Java Landslide Search

West Bandung: Indonesian rescue teams on Wednesday deployed additional heavy machinery to accelerate the search for dozens of people still missing after a landslide struck Pasirlangu Hamlet in West Bandung District, West Java.

The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team is intensifying operations to locate 32 victims believed to be buried under mud and debris in Cisarua Sub-district, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

Basarnas Operations Director Bramantyo said search efforts on Wednesday were focused on three main sectors -,A1, A2, and B3,- as well as an additional sector, A3, located on higher ground near the foothills of Mount Burangrang.

“We divided teams following the morning briefing. Four additional heavy machines were deployed today, bringing the total to 17 units,” Bramantyo told reporters in West Bandung, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, 28 January 2026.

Adverse weather conditions continue to hamper the operation, with dense fog and persistent rain affecting the Pasirlangu area since Tuesday night, forcing teams to adjust working hours and movement in the field.

As of Wednesday morning, 32 victims remained unaccounted for. Rescue teams have so far handed over 48 body bags to the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) unit of the West Java Provincial Police.

Bandung Search and Rescue Office Head Ade Dian said medical support has been strengthened to ensure the safety and endurance of rescue personnel.

“We have received vaccines and vitamins from the Health Ministry and the local health agency to maintain the physical condition of our teams. This is critical given the risks in the field,” Ade said.

He added that medical personnel have been stationed at each search sector to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies involving rescuers.

“Doctors are on standby at every location so incidents can be handled quickly,” he said.

Regarding the operation timeline, Ade said the local government has set a 14-day search period, with an evaluation scheduled on the seventh day, Friday, January 30.

“The evaluation will determine whether the operation needs to be extended, depending on developments in the field,” he said.