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Tragic Loss of Elite Indonesian Marines in West Java Landslide
A devastating landslide in West Java, Indonesia has claimed the lives of 23 elite marines from a single unit, marking one of the deadliest military training disasters in recent Indonesian history. The tragedy occurred early Saturday morning in Pasir Langu village on the slopes of Mount Burangrang, where heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide that buried the marine training camp and approximately 34 houses under up to 8 meters of mud and debris.
Training Mission Turns Deadly
The marines were part of an elite unit training for a long-term border mission along the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea frontier when disaster struck. According to military spokesperson Colonel Arief Rachman, 'The entire unit of 23 marines was conducting pre-dawn training exercises in rugged terrain when the landslide completely engulfed their camp. We have confirmed all 23 are deceased.'
The landslide stretched over 2 kilometers, with rescue teams reporting mud depths reaching 8 meters in some areas. Initial reports had indicated 17 confirmed deaths from the broader disaster, with 4 marines among them. However, subsequent searches revealed the grim reality that all 23 marines from the training unit had perished.
Challenging Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by difficult terrain and ongoing instability. 'Heavy equipment is difficult to bring to the site, the access road is narrow, and the ground is still unstable,' explained disaster management official Budi Santoso. The rescue operation has expanded from 500 to 2,100 personnel using drones, excavators, and water pumps, but progress remains slow.
About 230 nearby residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters as authorities continue to search for additional victims. The total number of missing persons stands at 42, including both military personnel and civilians from the affected village.
Indonesia's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
This tragedy highlights Indonesia's ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season from October to April. According to Wikipedia's list of natural disasters in Indonesia, landslides are 'very common in upland areas, especially during the rainy season, and cause much local damage and deaths.'
Just last month, over 1,200 people were killed in severe flooding and landslides on Sumatra's western island, with more than 7,000 injured. As reported by ABC News, the current disaster underscores the 'frequent flooding and landslide risks in Indonesia during the October-April rainy season.'
Military Training Under Scrutiny
The incident has raised questions about military training protocols in high-risk areas during extreme weather conditions. The marines were preparing for border security operations along the remote Indonesia-Papua New Guinea frontier, a region known for its challenging terrain and security concerns.
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the training exercise. 'We mourn the loss of these brave marines who were preparing to serve their country,' he stated. 'We must understand what happened and ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.'
The Indonesian government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased marines and civilians, while international condolences have poured in from neighboring countries and military allies.
