Forest becomes a field, lives fly away: West Java Provincial Government promises to take action after Cisarua landslide
BANDUNG BARAT - Deputy Governor of West Java Erwan Setiawan emphasized that the government would take firm action against land use conversion practices in Perhutani forest areas which are suspected to be a trigger for landslides in Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency.
Erwan highlighted the use of forest land which was converted into agricultural areas, so that it was not in accordance with its provisions and had the potential to weaken the soil structure in the area.
"This is forest land, not agricultural land. We will return it green, we will return it to its function, namely the forest," said Erwan on the sidelines of reviewing the affected locations on Sunday, January 25.
Regarding the risk of subsequent landslides, the West Java Provincial Government ensured that the affected residents would not return to their original locations.
Erwan stated that the government would immediately prepare a relocation scheme based on technical studies to determine a safe location, but still consider the proximity to the social environment of residents.
"Relocation should not be to a place that is at risk again. We will determine a safe location and not too far from the residents' living environment. Safety is the top priority," said Erwan.
Although focusing on long-term handling, Erwan emphasized that the search for victims who are still missing remains the top priority. The search operation involves a joint team from Basarnas, BNPB, BPBD, TNI-Polri, and volunteers.
"Currently we are continuing to work. All elements are going to the field to search for victims who are still missing. Insyaallah, with the weather that supports, the search can continue to the maximum," he said.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno who was also present emphasized that handling this disaster must be a momentum for regional transformation so that it is more resilient to disaster risks.
Pratikno encouraged the acceleration of the provision of permanent housing so that residents do not stay in the evacuation for too long. According to him, certainty of housing is very important to restore the psychological condition of affected people.
"This disaster must be a lesson. We are not only rebuilding, but rebuilding better and safer," said Pratikno.
In addition to the evacuation and search for victims, the government has also deployed a trauma recovery team to accompany residents, especially children, who have experienced psychological stress due to the disaster.
The West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded that the landslide that occurred on Saturday (24/1) morning caused 19 people to die, 73 people were still missing, 666 residents were displaced, and 51 houses were severely damaged.