Rembang Regency Government Addresses and Monitors Land Subsidence Phenomenon

Rembang (ANTARA) - The Rembang Regency Government, Central Java, has taken swift action to address and intensively monitor the land subsidence phenomenon in Gobok hamlet, Gunungsari village, Kaliori sub-district, which has affected four residents’ homes.

“Preliminary data indicates that four homes and one livestock shed were affected and suffered varying degrees of damage. However, no residents have been displaced,” said the Acting Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Rembang Regency, Muhammad Luthfi Hakim, in Rembang, Thursday.

He explained that the land subsidence phenomenon first occurred in January 2026 and recurred in February 2026. This condition is suspected to have been triggered by high rainfall in recent days, causing the soil structure to become loose and unstable.

“A few days ago, the intensity of the rain was high, making the soil contour loose. Approximately 62 meters of land moved downwards,” he said.

The Rembang BPBD has conducted periodic field monitoring and coordinated with relevant organizational units (OPDs), including the Housing and Settlement Area Office of Rembang Regency, to take further action.

For emergency response, such as strengthening embankments using gabions to anticipate further subsidence, it is the responsibility of the relevant technical OPD.

Based on a preliminary assessment, the total losses are estimated at around Rp192 million. Darto’s house is reported to have subsided about 2 meters, with an estimated loss of Rp90 million. Sukarji’s livestock shed suffered damage worth Rp12 million.

Lukman Arif’s house suffered damage to the foundation and cracks in the walls, with an estimated loss of Rp10 million. Meanwhile, Umbarno’s house was damaged in the bathroom and shed, with an estimated loss of Rp50 million. Suwarni’s house has cracks in the walls on the second floor, with an estimated loss of Rp30 million.

As a form of support to meet basic needs during the emergency response period, five affected families have received food aid from the Social Service, Women’s Empowerment and Family Planning Office of Rembang Regency.

Chorik, one of the affected residents, said that the land subsidence began on January 18, 2026, and occurred gradually, then worsened after heavy rain on February 23, 2026.