Moving Land in Central Java, a Big Threat with Complex Impact

Extreme weather has occurred since early 2026 until now. High-intensity rain is one factor in moving land. Moving land in Central Java has affected several districts and caused massive damage. Fast response and certain solutions are required to prevent future risks. Coordination between local governments and various relevant parties is highly effective in mitigating these risks.

The Cases of Moving Land in Central Java

The moving land in several areas of Central Java is a significant threat to residents. The moving lands have occurred gradually since the beginning of the year. The case of land movement in Gunungpati, Semarang City, began in January 2026 and lasted until February 18^th. It caused complex damage. The residential area shifted 10 meters and collapsed. Several other homes suffered damage in their yards.

The situation in Sridadi Village, Sirampog District, Brebes Regency, was also chaotic. Land movement occurred there on January 28^th, 2026. This disaster hit 143 houses, two places of worship, and two educational facilities. Public facilities and infrastructures were also damaged, including the village road, which is 700 meters in length.

On February 2^nd, 2026, there was land movement in Padasari Village, Jatinegara, Tegal Regency. After this disaster, 860 houses were affected, and 2.460 people were evacuated. Creaking sounds were heard in the houses, and a soil creeping occurred. On February 8^th, 2026, there was ground movement in Jangli Village, Tembalang District, Semarang City. It damaged fifteen houses.

The Reason for Moving Land

Serious threats, including moving land, certainly have multiple causes. These are a combination of natural factors and human activity.

1. Dominated by Clay Soil

Soil type significantly influences its structural strength. The type of affected areas is clay soil that is highly reactive with water. So, it has certain characteristics, such as absorbs excess water, soft and slippery texture, and loses its binding ability. The soil becomes saturated with water and moves easily.

2. Shrinking and Expanding Characteristics

Clay soil has a type of montmorillonite. Its expansive characteristics are big. It means that the land has a very high tendency to shrink and expand. It occurs because its constituent minerals expand drastically and soften when exposed to water, then crack when dry.

3. Heavy Rains

Heavy rains trigger land movement. That is consistent with the characteristics of the clay soil in the affected area, which has the montmorillonite mineral. Large amounts of water trigger the expansion and contraction of montmorillonite soil.

4. Topography and Morphology

Another natural factor is the location of affected areas. Most of the district is located on steep mountain slopes, where the structure is unstable and has a large gravitational force.

5. Active Tectonic Zone

Central Java has several vulnerable areas, including moving land zones. These vulnerable areas are active tectonic zones that trigger land movement, both soil creeping and sudden.

6. Human Activities

Excessive human activity is also a crucial additional factor in this land movement. The excessive activities are deforestation and land conversion. The situation is worsened when these activities occur on mountain slopes and forests. Poor drainage systems also trigger land movement.

Handling of Moving Land Threats

For the various reasons mentioned above, the threat of landslides is very real, with its massive damage. Therefore, an optimal management system is needed, along with appropriate solutions. Regional authorities are working with the central government to address the phenomenon of landslides. Here are some of the programs.

1. Evacuation

Evacuation for all victims includes rescuing victims, providing the refugee areas, and distributing aid. The local government coordinates with relevant parties to prioritize the safety of residents and their basic needs.

2. Emergency Recovery

The construction of temporary housing (Huntara) for affected residents is an emergency recovery. Coordination is a crucial point to realize the recovery program. Related to this point, the Central Java government is collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to build Huntara. Affected residents can safely seek shelter until relocation and housing repairs are confirmed.

3. Relocation

A quick relocation is very awaited by the residents in affected areas to avoid the threat of land movement. Their residential areas are no longer safe. Most of their homes are semi-permanent, adapting to the shifting ground conditions. Semi-permanent homes reduce the risk of loss in the event of severe damage or collapse. The government is working on this.

Moving land in Central Java is a big threat to the survival of residents in vulnerable areas. The government should consider prevention programs to mitigate the risks. A crucial program is implementing a warning system to provide residents with early information when there is extreme weather or minor land movement. Warning signals can be delivered as sounds and emergency messages.

Besides sirens or alarms, emergency messages are an effective means of information because they are comprehensive. An emergency message-sending machine based on SMS (Short Message Service) is available now. It can send messages simultaneously to multiple mobile phones in real time. The government can provide these specific devices through smsbroadcaster.com.