REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG — The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reminds of the potential for aftershocks in Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, West Java. The warning was issued following a landslide that occurred on Friday (24/1/2026). The Geological Agency assesses the continued threat is still high, especially if high-intensity rain falls over a prolonged duration.

The Geological Survey noted the affected area was in a hilly area with steep slope slopes and relatively dense land use. Those conditions increase the susceptibility of slopes to ground failure, especially at the heightof the rainy season.

Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria said that the main trigger for the landslide came from the high rainfall that occurred before and during the event. “High rainfall increases pore water pressure, lowers soil shear strength, and then triggers slope failure,” said Lana in Bandung, quoted on Monday (26/1/2026).

The soil movement in Pasirlangu Village is also influenced by the local geological conditions which are dominated by old volcanic rocks that have undergone weathering. The presence of geological fracture and fault structures, combined with steep slope morphology, creates unstable soil mass conditions.

Based on the Land Movement Vulnerability Zone Map (ZKGT), the affected areas belong to the category of Intermediate Vulnerability Zone. In this zone, the potential for soil movement increases on slopes that have been disturbed, both naturally and as a result of human activity, especially when heavy rains last long.

Lana said slope cutting activities for settlements and road access construction also increase the risk of landslides. The suboptimal surface drainage system accelerates the infiltration of water into the soil and decreases the stability of the slope. “Steep morphological conditions, weathered volcanic rocks, geological structures, as well as high rainfall are interrelated in triggering large-scale landslides,” he said.

Post-disaster, the Geological Survey deployed an Emergency Response Team to the disaster site to conduct field inspections. The team prepared technical recommendations for handling in the affected area of approximately 30 hectares and developed further mitigation measures.

Head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) Hadi Wijaya said the team had been on site to thoroughly investigate the causes of the ground movement. “The team conducted a field inspection to ascertain the trigger factors and determine the appropriate handling steps,” Hadi said.

The Emergency Response Team consists of 10 people consisting of technical and non-technical elements. In addition to drawing up technical recommendations, the team also socialized the community regarding the conditions of land movement and the potential for continued hazards in the affected areas.

The Geological Agency asked residents living around the steep slope to increase vigilance and evacuate immediately to a safer location. The safety of officers and the public is a top priority in all phases of disaster management.

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