Rescue teams continued work on Friday after a landslide at a construction site in Sumedang, West Java left eight people caught in collapsing earth and debris. The incident occurred at Kampung Wates, Desa Cisempur in the Jatinangor subdistrict on 2 January 2026 during construction of a futsal field, local witnesses and officials said.
Sumedang landslide rescue operation
Agencies at the scene include the regional disaster board (BPBD), officers from Brimob and personnel from Basarnas, the national search and rescue agency. Eyewitnesses reported that eight workers or bystanders were affected when part of the site gave way; four people were pulled free and treated on site, while the remaining four were still being located and evacuated as teams worked cautiously to avoid further collapses.
“We found several victims and immediately carried out first aid,” a local witness said, describing the efforts by volunteers and emergency services. Authorities have not released the full identities of those involved pending notification of relatives and further verification.
Officials described the scene as unstable, with teams prioritising the safety of rescuers while using search techniques appropriate to landslide conditions. Heavy machinery and manual digging were deployed where it was safe to do so, and medical staff stood ready to receive any casualties at nearby clinics.
Local leaders said the site was part of informal development to create a community futsal pitch, and that preliminary checks were under way to determine whether proper permits and slope-prevention measures had been in place. The incident has prompted renewed calls from residents and officials for stricter oversight of construction in hilly or marginal areas, particularly during the rainy season.
Emergency responders stressed that landslide incidents can be sudden and difficult to predict. Basarnas officers are coordinating with BPBD to map hazard areas and issue safety guidance to surrounding communities. Brimob personnel have supported the operation by securing the perimeter and assisting with logistical needs.
Health officials advised anyone affected to seek medical attention for injuries and to report any missing persons to the nearest police station or emergency coordination centre. Community volunteers have also been assisting by providing food, water and temporary shelter to families displaced by the event.
As search efforts continue, authorities emphasised an investigation will follow to establish the exact cause of the collapse and whether construction practices contributed to the disaster. The regional administration said it will review local regulations and enforcement relating to small-scale recreational developments to prevent similar incidents.
The landslide is the latest reminder of the vulnerability of development in steep terrain across parts of West Java. Officials urged residents and developers to consult with technical authorities before starting soil-disturbing work and to install appropriate drainage and slope-stabilisation measures when necessary.
Further updates will be provided as rescue teams complete their search and as local authorities publish official statements on the status of the victims and the findings of any subsequent inquiries.
Key Takeaways:
- Sumedang landslide struck Kampung Wates, Desa Cisempur in Jatinangor on 2 January 2026.
- Eight people were affected during construction of a futsal field; four were rescued and four remain under evacuation.
- Search and rescue teams from BPBD, Brimob and Basarnas are conducting operations amid concerns over construction safety.
- Local authorities have begun assessments and urged caution at similar development sites.
