The death toll has risen to seven and more than 60 people are still missing after a landslide struck a remote part of West Java's Bandung district on Tuesday.

"We've pulled out seven bodies from the landslide. We believe 64 are still trapped," said West Java police spokesman Dade Ahmad, updating the overnight toll. "The landslide is very deep. At this point, the chance of pulling out victims alive is slim," Ahmad said.

About 500 rescuers, including officers from the Brimob special police force, are searching for victims buried on the tea plantation near Ciwidey village, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) southwest of Bandung city.

"We have six sniffer dogs on site and rescuers are digging manually using hoes and light cutting equipment to reach victims," Ahmad added.

"We are still trying to bring in the heavy earth-moving equipment. It's difficult to get to the area, which is on a steep slope," he said.

Vice President Boediono and several ministers are expected to visit the disaster area Wednesday, Ahmad said.