Bandung City Government Investigates Business Permits on Jalan Riau Following Tree Felling on Pavement
The Bandung City Government is continuing to broaden its handling of the alleged felling of ten shade trees on Jalan RE Martadinata, also known as Jalan Riau. Beyond investigating the suspected criminal violation, the city administration is also tracing all business permits believed to be linked to the felling.
Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan revealed on Monday (3/8) that the investigation conducted by the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) since 29 June 2026 had uncovered significant developments. The handling of the case, which initially pointed to a violation of a Regional Regulation (Perda), has now escalated to a suspected criminal offence.
“After nearly a month, an escalation has occurred. What began as a minor violation is now pointing towards a serious offence. Therefore, on 30 July, I halted the minor offence process and the handling was escalated,” he explained.
According to Farhan, the interim investigation results indicate that the alleged violation is not only related to the Bandung City Regional Regulation but also potentially breaches the Environmental Protection and Management Law. Consequently, the investigation now involves Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), investigators from the Law Enforcement Division (Gakkum) of the Ministry of Environment, and is under the supervision of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Bandung City Police (Polrestabes Bandung).
“I cannot yet say who is involved as it would be too speculative. What is clear is that the legal process is underway,” he stated.
Based on the initial report received, Farhan mentioned that the alleged violation could result in a criminal penalty of more than three years’ imprisonment, along with fines reaching billions of rupiah if all criminal elements are proven.
In addition to the legal aspects, the Bandung City Government is also tracing the completeness of building and business permits for the establishments located behind the felling site. “The documents we have and the statements from several parties point to the strong suspicion that the tree felling is closely related to the operational interests of the businesses in that building. The Spatial Planning and Building Service (Diciptabintar) together with the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Agency (DPMPTSP) and related regional agencies are currently examining all permit documents,” he stressed.
Farhan added that the examination includes the business permits for the padel court, café, and video screen located in the area. Based on the interim report, he believes that several permits are still incomplete. Some are still being processed, and others have not been processed at all. Should administrative or other regulatory violations be found, the entire process will be followed up according to the applicable rules.
“Amidst the ongoing legal process, we are also starting to prepare the rehabilitation of the felling site. The replacement trees will not be small saplings, but rather trees that are already quite large so that the shading function in the area can be quickly restored. It should be noted that the felled trees were Tanjung and Mahoni trees, approximately five to ten metres tall,” he said.
Farhan added that the felling area will soon be fitted with temporary barriers so that the rehabilitation process can commence immediately. He has also assigned the Regional Secretary and the Bandung City Inspectorate to investigate the possible involvement of state civil apparatus (ASN) in the case. If any ASN are found to be involved, they will certainly be subject to sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“Every business actor must not only fulfil the formal legal aspects but also build good communication and relationships with the surrounding community. Just because the administrative requirements are complete does not mean the matter is settled. We must ensure harmony with the local environment,” he concluded.