Eka Yudha Saputra, Jakarta – The search and rescue (SAR) operation for victims of the landslide in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, has been extended for three more days after two additional bodies were recovered on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), said the discovery brings the confirmed death toll to 12, including two previously recovered body parts.
Sixteen people remain missing, he added in a written statement on Sunday.
As the operation entered its seventh day on November 22, BNPB and the national SAR agency Basarnas agreed to prolong the search effort.
With the extension, joint teams are now being deployed simultaneously across three sectors, rather than alternating as in previous days.
To support the search in challenging weather conditions, BNPB deployed a Cessna Caravan aircraft (PK-SNM) to disperse calcium oxide (CaO) in an effort to suppress the formation of rain clouds.
The weather modification operation aims to prevent rainfall that could hinder SAR activities or trigger additional landslides.
The landslide struck Pandanarum Village on Sunday, November 16, 2025. According to BNPB's emergency response post, 934 residents (335 families) have been displaced, consisting of 454 men and 480 women.
Evacuees are being housed at several locations, including the Pandanarum District Office, Beji Village Sports Hall, Pringamba Village Hajj Building, the Muhammadiyah community hall, and relatives' homes.
The disaster caused extensive damage, destroying 54 houses and leaving 128 others moderately or lightly damaged. Village infrastructure was also affected, including an 800-meter road, power lines, 670 meters of irrigation channels, a dam, and pipeline irrigation facilities.
– Irsyan Hasyim contributed to the writing of this article.