TRENGGALEK – A Ponorogo-Trenggalek landslide has forced rescue authorities to tighten safety monitoring as crews work to clear a key road linking the two regions in East Java, Indonesia.
National Search and Rescue Agency, widely known as Basarnas, deployed a team from its Trenggalek Search and Rescue post to inspect the landslide site. Officials conducted an initial assessment before heavy equipment and workers began clearing debris from the road.
Bayu Prasetyo, coordinator of the Trenggalek SAR Post, said his team had already held a safety briefing before field operations started.
“We conducted a briefing regarding the landslide that blocked the road between Ponorogo and Trenggalek. Basarnas is acting as backup safety support during the road clearing process until the situation is declared safe,” Bayu said.
Field inspections revealed several fresh landslide points around the affected area. However, the biggest obstacle remains a massive rock that fell from the mountain slope and now blocks the roadway.
“Our team inspected the site and found several landslide points above the road. The main obstacle is the large rock that fell onto the road. We also identified smaller new landslides nearby,” he explained.
The landslide occurred along the road connecting Ponorogo and Trenggalek, a route widely used by residents and logistics transport.
Rescue officials have prioritized worker safety during the cleanup operation. Therefore, the SAR team requires everyone at the site to wear full personal protective equipment.
“We ensure that every worker at the landslide site uses complete safety gear. We have also coordinated with local authorities,” Bayu said.
Local disaster response agencies and regional leaders are involved in monitoring the operation. Authorities want to ensure the road clearing process runs safely and efficiently.
Weather conditions remain another major concern for rescue teams. Rain could increase the risk of additional landslides in the mountainous area.
“If the weather changes and light rain begins, we will immediately pull the evacuation team from the site for safety,” Bayu said.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as crews work to reopen the strategic road corridor. Authorities hope the cleanup can proceed safely so traffic between Ponorogo and Trenggalek can resume soon.