Why Was Banjarnegara Landslide SAR Stopped Even Though 11 Victims Had Not Been Found?

Officers and volunteers prayed together at the close of the SAR operation for the landslide disaster in Pandanarum Village, Pandanarum District, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 (doc BNPB)

BANJARNEGARA (SAR) search and rescue operations for landslide victims in Pandanarum Village, Pandanarum District, Banjarnegara Regency, were officially suspended on Tuesday, November 25 after going on for ten days.

The decision was taken after a thorough evaluation with all SAR elements, in the midst of field conditions which were considered no longer safe to continue the search.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that stopping operations was a tough decision, but it had to be done for the safety of officers.

"We understand the high hopes of the victims' families. However, conditions on the ground show very high risks. The soil is still moving, the depth of the pile is significant, and the weather is unstable. The safety of officers is a priority," Abdul said in a statement received, Wednesday, November 26.

During the ten days of the search, the joint team faced wet avalanche material and minimal air circulation so that the bodies suffered natural damage. This situation increases the identification process while increasing health risks for officers.

On the last day of the operation, the team managed to find five bodies that had been taken to the Banjarnegara Hospital for identification. With these findings, the total number of victims died to 17 people, including two human body parts. A total of 11 other people have not been found even though various search methods have been implemented.

The procession of closing SAR operations was filled with emotion. The victim's family and relatives followed the prayer together and sowed flowers at the landslide site as a form of final respect.

In addition to casualties, this disaster left four residents injured and 1,019 people from 343 families displaced in five locations. Material damage includes 206 collapsed houses, worship facilities, 800 meters of inter-village routes, irrigation canals, rice fields, residents' livestock, to dozens of stalls and fish ponds.

Abdul emphasized that although the SAR operation was stopped, the handling of the affected residents would not stop. "BNPB will ensure full support, including psychosocial services, the fulfillment of the rights of the victim's family, to administrative assistance for families whose family members have not been found," he said.

The recovery stage is the next focus, starting from the relocation of residents from the red zone to the construction of temporary housing. BNPB targets 50 temporary residences to be completed before the end of December, followed by permanent housing at the next stage. Compensation for the families of the victims will also be distributed immediately.

In addition, public services and community economic activities will be restored immediately. The government is also mapping risks and structuring the area to strengthen long-term mitigation.

Abdul also expressed his appreciation to all the personnel involved. "Dedication of officers, volunteers, and the community is our common strength. This Gotong royong must be maintained in the process of recovery in the future," he said.

Hopefully the victims will get the best place, and the people of Banjarnegara can bounce back after this disaster.