The death toll in a massive Indonesian landslide rose to 17 on Monday as rescuers used heavy equipment to search for dozens still missing days after heavy rain unleashed a torrent of mud.

People gathered near the site in Java's West Bandung region, desperately awaiting news of their loved ones as rescuers, who fear another landslide, scoured the unstable area.

The flow of soil and debris barrelled through the village of Pasirlangu early on Saturday, burying residential areas and forcing dozens to evacuate their homes.

"It's impossible that they are still alive. I just want their bodies to be found," said Aep Saepudin, who has been coming to the village daily for updates about his 11 family members, including his sister, who are missing.

"My heart aches. I feel so sad seeing my older sister like that (buried by the landslide)," he said.

Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the national disaster agency, confirmed on Monday that at least 17 people were killed.

The number of people missing was later revised down to around 46 from an earlier figure of 73, local search and rescue head Ade Dian Permana told a news conference.

"This is based on the report from the village head," Ade said.

Indonesia's military said on Monday that four Marines were among those confirmed dead and 19 remained missing.

The Marines had been training before a deployment to Indonesia's border with Papua New Guinea, the navy's chief of staff Muhammad Ali told local media.

More than 50 houses were severely damaged by the landslide, which also displaced more than 650 people, according to the local disaster agency.

Floods and landslides are common across the vast archipelago during the rainy season, which typically runs from October to March. (AFP)