Bandung Mayor vows criminal charges over illegal tree felling

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan is furious over the unauthorized felling of 10 trees on Jalan LLRE Martadinata, a prominent street in the city. The trees were cut down in front of the Padel Six Nine field, prompting a strong reaction from the mayor.

Farhan announced that the Bandung city government has already taken initial steps, including sealing the site of the illegal logging. The administration is also preparing a formal report to be submitted to the West Java Provincial Government and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. "This tree felling violates regulations. I will raise this issue directly with the Governor so it can be processed criminally, as it potentially constitutes a serious legal violation," Farhan stated in Bandung on Friday.

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

He emphasized that the alleged violation not only contravenes local regulations in Bandung but also potentially breaches a circular issued by the West Java Provincial Government regarding a moratorium on tree felling. Consequently, the city government plans to report the case to environmental law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.

"We will also report this to the Environmental Law Enforcement Unit at the ministry. This is not a minor issue," he added. The city administration's swift action signals a zero-tolerance approach to environmental destruction and a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable under the law.

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We will also report this to the Environmental Law Enforcement Unit at the ministry. This is not a minor issue.