Rescuers on the Indonesian island of Java have said hope is fading for more than 60 people caught under a mudslide.

Heavy rains in a mountainous area caused the mud to slide from the side of a steep hill, killing at least seven people on a tea plantation near Ciwidey village, about 35 kilometres from Bandung.

West Java police have estimated that 64 people could still be trapped under deep mud.

About 500 rescuers using sniffer dogs are at the site of the collapse, with some digging under the dirt using bare hands and hoes.

They are now awaiting heavy earth-moving equipment, but are concerned they may not be able to get it up the steep slope.

Landslides and flooding are common during Indonesia's rainy season, which is due to last into early March.