Landslide in Pasirlangu Village: The Impact of Many Factors and Its Learning Points

Most of the West Java area hit by several disaster after an extreme weather. The landslide in Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua, West Bandung, on January 24^th, 2026, captured the attention due to its significant impact. All of this disaster caused by multiple factors, natural and additional factors. Any valuable lessons can be learned from this terrible case for disaster mitigation programs.

The Chronology of a Landslide in Pasirlangu Village

One of the villages in Cisarua that was most affected by the landslides is Pasirlangu Village. In Pasirlangu, there are two affected villages, such as Pasirkuning and Pasirkuda. The following is a chronology.

1. Heavy Rains Occurred

Natural factor, such as extreme weather, is the main factor of landslides. On Thursday and Friday, January 22–23^rd, 2026, heavy rains occurred. Cisarua, including Pasirlangu Village, is one of the affected areas. The high intensity of rain changes the soil structure, so the soil on mountain slopes becomes saturated and unstable after incessant rain.

2. The First Landslide

After extreme heavy rain, the first landslide in Pasirlangu occurred on January 24^th, 2026. The village, particularly neighborhood units (RW) 10 and 11, was struck by the terrible disaster, and the residential area was buried. A marine training ground was also affected, with four personnel killed. The 80 civilians were killed, and several others are still missing.

3. The Second Larger Landslide

The significant damage emerges from the first landslide, and is then followed by a second landslide. This second landslide was larger and further worsened the conditions at the disaster area. The pile of material grew even higher.

4. Evacuation

From January 24-27, 2026, the evacuation process was carried out using a collaboration of evacuation teams that consisted of Basarnas, TNI, and Polri. Besides the effective collaboration, the evacuation process became longer and less effective because the obstacles of infrastructure damage and extreme weather.

The Causing Factors

Scientifically, West Java has a high potential for a landslide. It is because of its location on mountainous slopes. A natural factor as a strong trigger for landslides is extreme weather. But the additional factors also influence. To minimize potential risks, pre-disaster mitigation programs can be implemented.

The threat increases if risk minimization efforts are not implemented and human activity is uncontrolled. Landslides are not only triggered by heavy rain, but there is a combination of factors. This combination involves natural factors and human activity as a strong contributing factor.

Human activities that caused the severe landslide in Pasirlangu Village were diverse. Uncontrolled population growth resulted in dense settlements. Steep slopes and areas near marginal land were chosen by some immigrants.

Horticultural farming on steep slopes is engaged by some of the population, thus destroying environmental conditions by inhibiting water infiltration and increasing the potential for landslides. The conversion of forest land to vegetable plantations was also a contributing factor.

Learning Points for Risk Mitigation

The various impacts of a landslide in Pasarlangu Village are deeply concerning. The combination of factors became the strong causes that pushed the disaster to occur. Here are some programs that can be done to reduce the risk of landslides.

1. Strengthening the Disaster Warning System

Especially in disaster risk areas, disaster warning systems are essential for preventive steps. In the case of the Pasirlangu landslide, the warning system was not optimal. Installation has only been implemented in a few areas, not across all at-risk locations. The system needs to be more evenly distributed. The capacity is also being increased to ensure safety and reduce risks.

2. Urban Planning Evaluation

The next is a critical factor. There is a population surge in Cisarua that must be addressed immediately. It can be achieved by managing housing to reduce overcrowding. Residents living in the risk area of landslides must be relocated immediately.

3. Agricultural Readjustment on Steep Land

The high population growth rate has made this mountainous area densely populated. The community works as farmers in marginal land, where many of them are located on steep slopes. The impact is changing the soil structure and replacing trees with cultivated crops.

The steep slopes require different treatment for agriculture and plantations. They need suitable plants, namely those with strong roots and high economic value. For example, avocados, coffee, and fruits. But the availability of trees must still be maintained.

4. Reforestation

The critical condition of forest areas and mountain slopes is a strong factor in the occurrence of extreme landslides. Many forest areas have been converted into plantations. Reforestation is the solution to reduce disaster risk. The aim is to prevent erosion because the soil structure is strengthened and maintained.

A disaster emergency has been declared by the West Java government after learning of the significant impact of the landslide in Pasirlangu Village. This demonstrates the integrated response between central and regional agencies. This is a positive step toward improving the disaster warning system. Landslides can be reported early through the warning signals from the system.

A message-sending machine based on Short Message Service (SMS) is available. It is facilitating real-time delivery to mobile phones. The machine’s range is wide, from 500 m to 2 km, and it covers all operators. Received messages contain complete information and evacuation procedures. The government can procure this specific machine at smsbroadcaster.com.