PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has taken a firm stance against the alleged illegal logging of 10 trees on Jalan LLRE Martadinata (Riau), Bandung City. Farhan confirmed that the case will be taken to court and reported to the Governor of West Java and the Ministry of Environment.

Upon inspecting the site, Farhan immediately ordered the sealing of the area where the trees were felled. He stated that the action allegedly violated various regulations in force at both the Bandung City and West Java Provincial levels.

"This tree felling violates regulations. I will raise this issue directly with the Governor for criminal prosecution, as it has the potential to constitute a serious violation of the law," Farhan said on Friday (July 31, 2026).

He explained that the alleged violations not only violate Bandung City Regional Regulations but also violate the West Java Provincial Government's circular regarding a tree felling moratorium. Therefore, the case is also considered a potential violation of environmental protection provisions.

"We will also report this to the Ministry's Environmental Law Enforcement Agency. This is not a trivial matter," he said.

Farhan admitted he was furious to see the condition of the felled trees. These were ancient trees that served a vital role in providing shade and contributing to the urban ecosystem.

"I'm furious to see this incident. Whoever did this must be held accountable for their actions according to the law," he said.

Based on preliminary information, the logging is believed to have taken place between the evening of July 1, 2026, and the early morning of July 2, 2026. Several eyewitnesses reported that the perpetrators were wearing uniforms, leading to suspicions that they were officers. However, their identities and the parties responsible are still under investigation.

Farhan said the Bandung City Government would collect all evidence, from field documentation to statements from witnesses around the location.

"We will summon witnesses. Anyone who commits environmental damage will face severe sanctions," he explained.

He also requested the active participation of the community, including regional officials and Linmas, to immediately report any suspicious tree felling activities so that they can be followed up more quickly.

On the other hand, Farhan immediately instructed the Bandung City Satpol PP to compile an official report on the results of the initial investigation, complete with photos, chronology, and other supporting evidence.

"The report from the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) will be submitted to me immediately. I will then take it to the Governor and the Environmental Law Enforcement Agency as the basis for further legal proceedings," he stressed.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)