After Governor's Inspection, Locals Protest 'Snowfall' Dust Pollution

Residents of West Bandung Regency are voicing strong criticism through banners erected along the Bandung-Cianjur highway, protesting the pervasive dust pollution emanating from limestone processing factories. The sheer volume of white dust has transformed the landscape, giving the impression of a "snowfall."

Following a surprise inspection by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) at the limestone processing plants in the Cipatat area, local communities have intensified their protests. The banners, attributed to the "Gerakan Masyarakat Peduli Lingkungan" (Gampil) or "Community Movement for Environmental Care," highlight the dire situation.

One banner issues a stark warning: "Fasten your seatbelts, pass through this area quickly, if you don't want to die sooner. This is a Pollution Race Zone." Another reads, "You are entering a Pollution Emergency Zone (Approved). Do not remove your mask, as the risks and your fate are your own responsibility."

Yasun Yusron, the coordinator for Gampil, explained that the banners represent a protest against decades of unaddressed air pollution. Residents suffer from fine dust exposure that blankets their homes, turning roofs white and posing significant respiratory health risks. "The air pollution in our environment is already very high. Fine dust enters our homes, continuously covering the roofs in white," Yusron stated, adding that the banners reflect the sentiment that the area is "no longer livable."