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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Environment & Climate

Bandung Mayor Threatens Criminal Charges Over Alleged Illegal Tree Felling on Jalan Riau, Citing Environmental Violations and Moratorium Breach

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan announced legal action against the alleged illegal felling of 10 trees on Jalan Riau.
  • The trees, located in front of a padel sports facility, were reportedly cut down in violation of environmental protection rules and a provincial moratorium.
  • Authorities have sealed the site, and the mayor vowed to pursue criminal charges against those responsible.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has vowed to pursue criminal charges against those responsible for the alleged illegal felling of 10 trees on Jalan LL RE Martadinata, also known as Jalan Riau, in Bandung. The trees, which stood on the sidewalk in front of a padel sports facility, were cut down despite environmental protection regulations and a provincial moratorium on tree cutting.

This tree felling violates regulations. I will raise this issue directly with the Governor so it can be processed criminally because it potentially constitutes a serious legal violation.

— Muhammad Farhan, Mayor of BandungThe mayor explains his intention to escalate the case to the provincial governor for criminal prosecution due to the severity of the alleged violation.

Farhan discovered the incident while inspecting food prices at Pasar Cihapit on Friday. He immediately ordered the area sealed and stated his intention to report the case to the Governor of West Java, the West Java Environmental Agency, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry's law enforcement unit. The mayor expressed his anger at the destruction of the mature trees, emphasizing their importance for urban shade and ecological balance.

"This tree felling violates regulations. I will raise this issue directly with the Governor so it can be processed criminally because it potentially constitutes a serious legal violation," Farhan stated. He added that the act contravenes not only Bandung City bylaws but also a provincial government circular on the moratorium. The mayor also confronted an employee at the padel facility who appeared unfazed by the questioning, warning that the management would be held accountable if found responsible.

We will also report this to the Environmental Law Enforcement at the ministry. This is not a trivial matter.

— Muhammad Farhan, Mayor of BandungThe mayor emphasizes the seriousness of the tree felling incident and his plan to involve national environmental law enforcement.

Farhan stressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "We will also report this to the Environmental Law Enforcement at the ministry. This is not a trivial matter." He reiterated his fury over the felling of the old trees, which he described as vital for the city's urban ecosystem. "I am very angry seeing this incident. Whoever did it must be responsible for their actions according to the law," he declared.

I am very angry seeing this incident. Whoever did it must be responsible for their actions according to the law.

— Muhammad Farhan, Mayor of BandungThe mayor expresses his strong disapproval and demands accountability for the destruction of the trees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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