For Slamet, 55, another resident of Gempolsari village, the consequences of the mudflow have been just as profound. The disaster forced him, and many others, to abandon farming, as once-productive fields were rendered unusable after being buried or contaminated by the mudflow.

Slamet now earns a living selling fish. Around him, he says, neighbors have taken similar paths, shifting into small trade, motorcycle taxi services or other informal work available in the area.

"What we earn now is nothing like when we were farming, but we have no other choice if we want to feed our families."

Beyond depriving him of his livelihood, the mudflow disaster has deeply disrupted Slamet's daily life at home. Thick dust and pungent odors regularly drift from the site, becoming especially unbearable during the dry season.

"The stench makes it hard to breathe," Slamet said. "When the dry season comes, the mud thickens and has to be diluted before it can be discharged into the Porong River through pipelines. That mixing process releases an overwhelming smell, and many children living near the embankment frequently experience shortness of breath."