Follow-up Landslide in Jepara Cuts Off Damarwulan-Tempur Access Completely

A landslide disaster occurred in Damarwulan Village, Keling Subdistrict, Jepara Regency, Central Java. As a result, access along the Damarwulan-Tempur Road is completely blocked and impassable for vehicles. The Acting Head of the Jepara BPBD, Arwin Noor Isdiyanto, stated that the landslide happened on Thursday (26/3) around 10:00 WIB. The incident site is on the Damarwulan-Tempur Road, specifically just after the Leki incline in Damarwulan Village. “The landslide was triggered by rain of moderate to heavy intensity over the past few days, combined with unstable soil conditions,” he said in Jepara on Friday (27/3). He explained that the landslide originated from a cliff approximately 100 metres high and three metres wide. Materials consisting of soil and rocks covered the entire road surface, also causing damage to the main road section. As a result of this incident, he continued, the main access from Damarwulan to Tempur Village cannot be used. For the time being, the route has been completely closed for the safety of road users. As an alternative, he said, residents of Tempur Village heading out for activities are directed via the Kaliombo-Rimong route through Medani Village, Cluwak Subdistrict, Pati Regency. However, this route is longer and features narrow roads with many sharp bends. The BPBD, along with relevant agencies, has taken several response measures, including assessment at the incident site, cross-agency coordination, mobilisation of emergency resources, and reporting to leadership. The urgent need at present is heavy equipment to accelerate the clearance of landslide materials. The Keling Subdistrict Head, Lulut Andi Ariyanto, added that the landslide is a follow-up to a previous one on Tuesday (10/3) at 21:30 WIB, so the route remains closed to anticipate potential further slides. “BPBD personnel along with residents have checked the upper area of the site to ensure the safety of heavy equipment to be used,” he said. He has also coordinated with the Cluwak Subdistrict Head and the Medani Village Head regarding the use of the alternative route. Additionally, there is a proposal for the Pati Regency Government to support the widening of the Rimong-Kaliombo road, which is known to be narrow and prone to accidents due to sharp bends. His side is also seeking involvement from Tempur Village volunteers to assist with security at vulnerable points, especially on descents and sharp bends that can only accommodate one vehicle. Meanwhile, the weather conditions at the site on Friday (27/3) morning until 10:00 WIB were reported as clear. Nevertheless, residents are still urged to remain vigilant against the potential for follow-up landslides given the still unstable soil conditions.