RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The humanitarian crisis in Central Java has intensified as the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reports that ground movement in Padasari Village, Tegal, Central Java, remains dangerously active. Persistent land shifts have triggered mass displacement, forcing more residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

Speaking from Jakarta on Monday, February 9, 2026, the Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, confirmed that the situation has escalated significantly over the weekend. 

“As of Sunday, February 8, 2026, the number of residents displaced by this ground movement phenomenon has reached 2,453 individuals,” said Abdul, as quoted by Antara.

The displaced population of 945 men and 982 women highlights a notably diverse demographic. This group includes a high concentration of vulnerable individuals, such as 220 elderly citizens, 179 children, 105 infants and toddlers, and several pregnant or nursing mothers.

The thousands of affected villagers are currently sheltered across eight designated evacuation points. These sites include the Majelis Az Zikir wa Rotibain, Padasari 2 Public Elementary School, and the Penujah Village Multipurpose Hall, along with various subvillages and Islamic boarding schools within the Jatinegara Subdistrict, such as those in Tamansari and Mokaha. 

BNPB teams and local administration officials remain on high alert at these locations to manage the influx of displaced residents. They are providing emergency assistance while ensuring a steady supply of logistics and meals for the evacuees.

Beyond immediate relief efforts, the government is shifting toward a more structured long-term response. Abdul noted that authorities are working on a dual-track strategy to stabilize the lives of the victims. 

“Authorities are currently focusing on the parallel tasks of collecting data on affected residents and searching for strategic housing locations. These sites will be used for the construction of temporary shelters for those directly impacted by the ground movement,” he explained. 

This administrative process involves the Social Affairs Agency, the Population and Civil Registration Agency, and the Housing and Settlement Agency of Tegal. These agencies are currently verifying residents through a "by name, by address" system to facilitate the issuance of temporary housing decrees.

The technical future of the affected area is currently under rigorous review. BNPB is providing expert assistance to the Central Java ESDM Agency to conduct land feasibility assessments.

This technical evaluation is critical for identifying viable sites for temporary shelters. It also serves as the basis for drafting a comprehensive relocation plan for families whose homes are no longer habitable. ***