Ministry of Public Works Supports the Recovery of Basic Infrastructure Affected by the Moving Earth Disaster in Purwakarta

Purwakarta - The moving earth disaster that occurred in Pasirmunjul Village caused major damage, especially in Cigintung Village with 54 houses severely damaged. It was recorded that 56 people fled to the village office, 91 people stayed with relatives, and 102 people still stayed in the affected area. The village road was cut off and one mosque was also affected. The Purwakarta Regional Government has declared the status of Land Movement Emergency Response for 14 days, from June 16 to July 1, 2025.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti, paid a working visit to the location affected by the earthquake in Pasirmunjul Village, Purwakarta Regency, West Java Province, Thursday (19/6/2025). The delegation visited the disaster location point, the temporary evacuation center at the village GOR and had a direct dialogue with the affected community. 

“We carry out orders from President Prabowo to check and accelerate the handling of victims of the moving soil disaster in Purwakarta Regency. Earlier we saw the location of the evacuation center. Some of them are evacuated here, while others are evacuated independently to their family or relatives' houses. Although there are those who evacuate independently, they are still served and assisted by BNPB, Ministry of Social Affairs, and local governments,” Pratikno said.

Furthermore, Pratikno also emphasized the importance of relocating residents to a geologically safer location. “According to the Geological Agency, this area is no longer safe to live in, so we must immediately find the right relocation scenario and it is currently in process. In addition to relocating residences, we will also relocate public facilities, such as roads and bridges. And everything must refer to the geologic safety of the area,” Pratikno added.

On the same occasion, Deputy Minister Diana emphasized the readiness of the Ministry of Public Works to support the recovery of basic infrastructure in the affected areas. Starting from water and sanitation support, toilet cars, to temporary alternative road access. The Ministry of Public Works will also help rebuild affected road access and provide temporary bridges, such as Bailey bridges, if needed so that community access is not cut off.

Meanwhile, regarding the relocation issue, it was stated that it must be immediately explored and verified again. “It is feared, because there is a railroad network and toll roads around here, we need to continue to monitor the movement so that we can prepare infrastructure reinforcement if needed. But for settlements, it is better to relocate them to a safe location, because we don't know what the land movement will be like in the future,” said Deputy Minister Diana.

Furthermore, Head of BNPB Suharyanto added that the government has prepared two relocation schemes, namely centralized and independent relocation, while still prioritizing the safety of residents. “BPBD will immediately conduct interviews related to the needs of the community, and they will be served according to their wishes. For people who want to relocate independently, the land chosen must first be declared safe by the Geological Agency. Hopefully the process will be quick, and the most important thing is that the Government is present during disasters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Secretary of West Java Province Herman Suryatman explained that the local government is currently identifying data on affected communities. “Not all people have independent land, and currently there are around 83 families affected. Later we will further data on who is willing to move to joint relocation or independent relocation,” he said.

Deputy Regent of Purwakarta Abang Ijo Hapidin also expressed his appreciation to the central government for the quick response. “We from the Purwakarta Regency Government would like to thank the central government for their concern in directly helping our community. We will follow this relocation process as directed, and will ensure land readiness and security with all related parties,” he said. (May)