Muzani Urges Abandoned Land-Shift Site in Padasari Tegal Not Be Reoccupied

MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani inspected the site of a land-shift disaster in Padasari Village, Tegal, Central Java. He called for full relocation, insisting that the affected area should no longer be occupied as geologists have deemed it unsafe.

“The dwellings affected by this disaster are not recommended for any activity whatsoever — whether residential, religious worship, education, or any other purpose — because the location has not been approved by geologists,” Muzani said after conducting an inspection on Monday (16/2/2026).

Muzani was conducting a direct inspection of the land-shift affected area in Padasari, Tegal, which caused severe damage to 900 homes and numerous facilities. All residents have been evacuated to relief posts.

“In Tegal Regency, in Padasari, Jatinegara, Central Java, there has been a land-shift disaster that caused approximately 900 homes to collapse and be destroyed, including schools, places of worship, mosques, Islamic boarding schools, and many other public facilities razed to the ground,” he said.

Muzani stressed the importance of relocating residents. He urged that the relocation to temporary housing be expedited given the approaching month of Ramadan.

“After this disaster is over, the next step is relocation — both relocation of evacuees and relocation to temporary housing. The Ministry of Public Works has already prepared temporary housing at a site not far from the location,” Muzani said.

“A mosque and other facilities will also be built at the temporary housing site; we received that explanation earlier. But what is important after that is permanent housing, which is the next consideration once the temporary housing is fully occupied,” he continued.

Muzani explained that the local government had prepared 12 hectares of land as a temporary housing site for affected residents, though only 4.8 hectares were deemed suitable for use.

“The remainder will be sourced from other locations and is currently under assessment. If it is deemed suitable, it will also be used as a temporary housing site,” he added.

In addition to inspecting the site, Muzani and his delegation distributed aid to residents, including basic necessities and cash.

“We also provided basic necessities. BNPB provided basic necessities in certain quantities; we contributed 2,000 packages, which have already arrived here. The Ministry of Social Affairs has also come. From BNPB, we have handed over Rp241 million,” he said.

Furthermore, he expressed appreciation for the swift response of relevant parties at the site, resulting in zero casualties from the disaster.

“We have witnessed how swiftly and decisively the military, police, BNPB, volunteers, and the community — each under their respective command — evacuated the dangerous area at the time of the incident, so that casualties were minimised. In fact, the casualty count is zero. This is certainly a precise, accurate, and appropriate method of disaster management,” he said.