Bandung City Government Clears 63 Illegal Structures in Dipatiukur Area

The Bandung City Government in West Java has cleared 63 illegal structures in the Jalan Dipatiukur area as part of efforts to restore the function of pavements and waterways for public comfort. Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said the operation was a continuation of area management efforts previously initiated in collaboration with the West Java Provincial Government. “Prior to the demolition, the government issued multiple warnings and gave the building owners the opportunity to dismantle the structures independently. Some residents, assisted by the local neighbourhood head, had already begun dismantling. For those who refused, we assisted with the demolition,” Farhan stated in Bandung on Thursday. Farhan emphasised that the city administration prioritises a persuasive approach in every enforcement process. However, structures erected on pavements must still be removed as they violate regulations. He stressed that, in accordance with the rules, there is no compensation or relocation for the business owners of these illegal structures. “In principle, no permanent or semi-permanent buildings are permitted on pavements. They are classified as illegal structures. Under the regional regulation, there is no compensation and no relocation,” he said. Meanwhile, Head of the Bandung City Public Order Agency, Bambang Sukardi, noted that the majority of the buildings were dismantled independently by the owners following the government’s persuasive approach. “Thankfully, during the period of issuing Warning Letters 1, 2, and 3, the building owners carried out the demolition themselves. We extend our gratitude to all regional officials who helped manage the situation so that today’s activities proceeded smoothly,” Bambang said. He explained that prior to the enforcement, the city government had followed all procedural stages, from issuing notifications to warning letters. According to him, the persuasive approach was key to the success of this operation. By dismantling the structures independently, owners could still salvage building materials with economic value. “Pavements should be used by pedestrians, not for illegal buildings or other activities inconsistent with their designated purpose. Today, we are restoring the function of the area in accordance with regulations for the public interest,” he said.