Fifth Body Found in Bantargebang TPST Landslide; Four Victims Still Sought
Search and rescue operations continued at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) in Bekasi following a waste heap collapse. On Monday afternoon, a combined search and rescue team discovered a fifth body at the collapse site, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to five people.
Romli Prasetyo, spokesperson for the Jakarta Regional Office of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), stated that the latest discovery occurred during intensive search operations at the TPST Bantargebang site. “Another body was found this afternoon. With this discovery, the total number of confirmed fatalities has increased to five people,” said Romli in Jakarta on Monday.
According to him, search operations have not been suspended as four people are still believed to be buried under the waste debris. Meanwhile, four other victims were successfully rescued from the incident. Basarnas DKI Jakarta records indicate a total of 13 people were affected by the landslide at TPST Bantargebang, located in Ciketing Udik Village, Bantargebang District, Bekasi City, West Java. Four survivors have been identified as Budiman, Joha, Safifudin, and Slamet.
The four fatalities previously identified were Enda Widayanti, Sumine, Dedi Sutrisno, and Irwan Supriatin. One additional body discovered brings the death toll up further in this disaster.
Romli emphasised that the primary focus of rescue personnel is to accelerate the search for the remaining victims. “We are continuing efforts to locate four other victims who are believed to still be under the debris,” he said.
To support the operation, 366 combined personnel have been deployed from various units, including the Jakarta Search and Rescue Office, Bekasi Search and Rescue Unit, police, military, firefighters, and other support units.
The search and rescue team opened access to suspected collapse points with assistance from heavy equipment such as excavators. Additionally, search dog units were deployed to help detect the presence of victims buried under waste debris. Rescue personnel also prepared various support equipment to expedite the search process in the field.