Authorities in Indonesia are racing against time to locate eight people still trapped after a massive rockslide at a quarry in Cirebon, West Java. The disaster, which struck on Friday, has already claimed at least 17 lives, with six others injured, according to the national search and rescue agency, Basarnas.
The agency confirmed on Saturday night that the death toll is still provisional, as reported by the victims’ families. Rescue teams remain on high alert, working around the clock to comb through the dangerous rubble in hopes of finding survivors.
A Site Riddled with Risk
The West Java Governor, Dedi Mulyadi, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the site’s safety standards. In a statement posted on Instagram, he revealed that the quarry “does not meet basic safety requirements for workers.” This has sparked fresh outrage and a call for immediate reforms in mining practices across the region.
Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Early signs point to poor safety infrastructure and environmental risks.
Natural Hazards and Human Error
According to Muhammad Wafid, the Geological Agency chief, the Cirebon region is particularly vulnerable to soil shifts, especially when rainfall exceeds normal levels. Add to that a steep cliff slope and unsafe mining methods, and the situation becomes a disaster waiting to happen.
Wafid also emphasized that the “undercutting method” used in the open-pit mine, combined with unstable terrain, may have triggered the collapse. He warned that rescue teams must remain extremely cautious, particularly during and after rainfall, as the threat of more landslides looms large.
Rescue Teams Face Steep Challenges
Efforts to recover the missing have been complicated by poor weather, difficult terrain, and the ongoing risk of further landslides. Authorities are urging teams to suspend search activities during periods of heavy rain to avoid further casualties.
This tragedy sheds light on the urgent need for stronger enforcement of safety standards and better geological assessments, particularly in regions known for unstable ground.
