Longsor Cisarua Bandung Barat: Kisah Pengungsi di Zona Merah

The rhythm of life in Desa Pasirlangu, West Java, has been irrevocably altered. Nine days after a landslide originating from the slopes of Gunung Burangrang devastated three villages in Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, residents continue to grapple with displacement and uncertainty.

A Village Displaced

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a massive landslide leveled 48 homes and claimed an unknown number of lives. While some homes were completely destroyed, others, like that of Nur, 38, and her relatives – Kokom (53), Elah (34), and Ai Nita (25) – remain standing, perilously close to the unstable debris. Authorities have designated these structures within a “red zone,” deemed too dangerous for habitation.

Seeking Shelter

The Desa Pasirlangu GOR (village gymnasium) has been transformed into a temporary shelter, providing refuge for hundreds. Initially, over 500 people sought safety within its walls, each carrying their own stories of loss. The atmosphere was described as stifling, with long lines for aid and frequent outbursts of grief. As residents of “yellow” and “green” zones have been permitted to return home, the shelter has become less crowded, though a quiet sense of unease remains.

Did You Know? The landslide impacted three villages within Desa Pasirlangu, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bandung Barat on January 24, 2026, resulting in the destruction of 48 homes.

Nur describes those remaining in the shelter as the “original refugees” – those whose homes are officially considered unsafe. This designation isn’t a source of pride, but a stark reminder of the boundary between those who can return and those who cannot.

The Weight of Uncertainty

Life within the shelter is a study in contrasts. While conditions have improved with reduced crowding and more readily available food, the lingering silence underscores the precariousness of their situation. The future remains unclear for those whose homes lie within the red zone, their lives suspended in a state of waiting.

Expert Insight: The designation of a “red zone” following a landslide represents a difficult but necessary decision by authorities. It prioritizes the immediate safety of residents, even at the cost of prolonged displacement and the emotional toll of uncertainty. This situation highlights the complex trade-offs inherent in disaster response and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes were destroyed by the landslide?

The landslide destroyed 48 homes in three villages of Desa Pasirlangu, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bandung Barat.

Where are residents who can’t return to their homes currently staying?

Residents whose homes are in the “red zone” are currently sheltering at the Desa Pasirlangu GOR (village gymnasium).

When did the landslide occur?

The landslide occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

What will become of the residents of Desa Pasirlangu as they navigate this period of displacement and uncertainty?