PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government has demolished 63 illegal buildings in the Jalan Dipati Ukur area to restore the function of sidewalks and water channels for the community (24/6/2026).

This arrangement was carried out as part of an effort to create a public space that is safer, orderly, and more comfortable for residents to use.

The clean-up activities are a continuation of the area arrangement which was previously initiated through a joint clean-up activity with the West Java Provincial Government.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said the government has given building owners the opportunity to carry out the demolition independently.

"Some residents, assisted by the neighborhood head, have started dismantling. For those who don't want to dismantle their houses, we'll help them," said Farhan.

According to him, a persuasive approach remains the main step before the government takes regulatory action.

Farhan emphasized that permanent or semi-permanent buildings standing on sidewalks are not permitted according to applicable regulations.

"In principle, no permanent or semi-permanent structures are allowed on sidewalks. That would be considered illegal construction. According to the local regulation, there is no compensation and no relocation," he said.

The clean-up involved the Civil Service Police Unit, regional apparatus, related agencies, the Sub-district Leadership Coordination Forum, and regional administrators.

Head of the Bandung City Civil Service Police Unit, Bambang Sukardi, said that the majority of buildings were demolished independently by their owners.

This step was taken after the government issued Warning Letters One, Two, and Three in accordance with applicable procedures.

"Thank God, during the period of issuing Warning Letters (SP) 1, SP 2, and SP 3, the building owners carried out the demolition independently. We would like to thank all regional officials who have facilitated the smooth running of today's activities," said Bambang.

Self-demolition allows building materials that still have economic value to be reused by the owner.

According to Bambang, buildings standing on sidewalks and water channels violate the function of public facilities as regulated in regional regulations.

"Sidewalks should be used for pedestrians, not for illegal construction or other inappropriate activities. Today, we are restoring the area's function according to regulations for the benefit of the community," he said.

Restoring the function of sidewalks provides a safer space for pedestrians while also supporting smooth drainage in the area.

The development of the Dipati Ukur and Jalan Singaperbangsa areas is also aimed at improving the quality of the urban environment.

Bambang assessed that public support for the urban planning program continues to increase along with the benefits felt by residents.

"This is the community's hope that Bandung City will become more organized and comfortable," he said.

After the arrangement of the Dipati Ukur and Singaperbangsa areas, the government will continue the arrangement in a number of other locations.

The area from Pandu Public Cemetery to Jalan Kebon Kawung is the next location on the public space planning agenda.

All activities will continue to prioritize a persuasive approach so that the community has the opportunity to carry out the demolition independently.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)