PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has escalated the legal proceedings against the alleged felling of 10 trees on Jalan LLRE Martadinata. (3/8/2026)

The Bandung City Government is also examining all business permits suspected of being related to the felling of shade trees.

An investigation by the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) since June 29, 2026, has found alleged violations that have the potential to be criminalized.

"After almost a month, it turned out to be an escalation. What started as a minor violation has now become a serious violation. Therefore, on July 30, I stopped the minor criminal case and escalated its handling," said Muhammad Farhan.

The handling process now involves Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), Law Enforcement Investigators from the Ministry of Environment, and is supervised by the Bandung City Police Criminal Investigation Unit.

Muhammad Farhan said the alleged violations were potentially related to environmental protection and management provisions.

"I can't say who was involved yet, as that would be too speculative. What's clear is that the legal process is ongoing," he said.

The Bandung City Government also checked the building and business permit documents located behind the tree felling location.

"The documents we have and the statements of several parties point to the suspicion that the tree cutting was closely related to business activities in the building," said Muhammad Farhan.

The Public Works, Construction and Spatial Planning Agency (Diciptabintar), the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), and related regional agencies check the completeness of the documents.

The inspection includes licensing for padel courts, cafes and videotrons in the area.

"Looking at the interim report, I believe there are still several permits that are incomplete. Some are still being processed, and some haven't been processed at all," he said.

The Bandung City Government will follow up on findings of administrative violations and other provisions in accordance with applicable regulations.

In addition to the legal process, the Bandung City Government is preparing to rehabilitate the former logging area so that the area's shading function can be immediately restored.

"The trees that were cut down were tanjung and mahogany trees, about five to ten meters tall. Therefore, the replacements cannot be seedlings, but must be semi-grown trees," he said.

Temporary barriers will be installed in the former logging area to support the rehabilitation process of the area.

Muhammad Farhan also assigned the Regional Secretary and the Bandung City Inspectorate to investigate the possible involvement of state civil servants in the case.

"If there are civil servants involved, they will be subject to sanctions in accordance with statutory regulations," he explained.

The Bandung City Government has asked business actors not only to fulfill administrative requirements but also to maintain good relations with the surrounding community.

"Don't just think the problem is solved just because the administrative process is complete. Take a positive approach to the community. We want business activities to run in harmony with the surrounding environment," he said.

The Head of Diciptabintar Bandung City, Rulli Subhanuddin, also conveyed the handling of residents' complaints regarding business activities in the Surya Sumantri area.

Diciptabintar summoned business managers and owners in early June 2026 after receiving public reports regarding two issues.

Residents' complaints include alleged use of drainage channels and noise resulting from business activities in the area.

"The inspection results showed no evidence of the use of a branjang. However, the management was willing to move the building back about one meter so the drain remained open, and this has now been repaired," he said.

Regarding noise issues, Diciptabintar asked the management to limit operating hours and agree on activity arrangements with residents.

The Bandung City Government is also preparing stricter regulations regarding the operating hours of businesses located around residential areas.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)