Indonesia launches search for 19 missing in Papua gold mine landslide

Indonesian rescue workers are racing to find 19 people missing after a landslide struck a gold mine in the country’s easternmost region of Papua, officials said on Monday.

The disaster, triggered by torrential rains late on Friday, hit a small-scale mine in the Arfak mountains of West Papua province. It buried temporary shelters used by miners, killing at least one and injuring four.

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the national disaster mitigation agency, said around 40 rescuers, including police and military personnel, had been deployed to the area.

Search efforts only began on Sunday due to the site’s remote location. "It took us 12 hours to reach the area.

Damaged roads, rugged terrain, and severe weather made it harder," said Yefri Sabaruddin, head of the local rescue team.

Officials warned the death toll could rise as the search continues.

Accidents are common at small-scale and illegal mines across Indonesia, where enforcement is difficult due to the remote nature of mining sites.

Last year, similar incidents killed dozens in West Sumatra and Sulawesia.