Bandung City Government Investigates Tree Felling Permit for Padel Arena

The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) is investigating the alleged felling of 10 shade trees on Jalan LLRE Martadinata, Bandung, West Java. The city is also tracing all business permits for a padel venture suspected to be connected to the felling. Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that the investigation conducted by the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) since 29 June 2026 has shown progress. The case has escalated from an initial bylaw violation to a suspected criminal offence. “After almost a month, the case has escalated. What started as a minor violation is now leading to a serious offence. Therefore, on 30 July, I halted the minor offence process and upgraded the handling,” Farhan said on Monday (3/8). According to him, preliminary investigation results indicate that the alleged violation is not only related to Bandung City Bylaws but also potentially breaches the Environmental Protection and Management Law. Consequently, the investigation now involves Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), investigators from the Directorate General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Environment, and is under the supervision of the Bandung Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim Polrestabes Bandung). Farhan has not yet disclosed the parties suspected of involvement as the investigation is ongoing. “I cannot yet reveal who is involved because the legal process is still underway,” he said. Based on initial reports, if all criminal elements are proven, the suspects could face more than three years in prison and fines amounting to billions of rupiah. Beyond the legal aspects, the Bandung City Government is also examining the completeness of building and business permits for the establishment located behind the felling site. This step was taken because there is a strong suspicion that the tree felling was related to the operational interests of the business in the area. “The documents we have and the statements from several parties point to the suspicion that the tree felling is closely linked to the business activities in that building,” Farhan explained. He added that the Department of Public Works, Construction and Spatial Planning (Diciptabintar), together with the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) and other relevant regional agencies, are currently examining all permit documents. The examination covers business permits for the padel court, café, and videotron in the area. “Looking at the interim report, I assess that there are still some incomplete permits. Some are still in process, and some have not even been processed at all,” he said. Farhan stated that if administrative violations or breaches of other provisions are found, the entire process will be followed up according to applicable regulations. Amid the ongoing legal process, the Bandung City Government is also preparing to rehabilitate the former felling area. According to Farhan, the replacement trees will not be small seedlings but rather sufficiently mature trees so that the shading function in the area can be quickly restored. “The felled trees were tanjung and mahogany trees with a height of about five to ten metres. Therefore, the replacements must not be seedlings but semi-mature trees,” he said. In the near future, temporary barriers will be installed around the felling area so that the rehabilitation process can begin immediately. Farhan also revealed that he has assigned the Regional Secretary and the Bandung City Inspectorate to investigate the possible involvement of state civil servants (ASN) in the case. “If any ASN are indeed involved, they will certainly be sanctioned according to the provisions of the legislation,” he stated. Farhan emphasised that every business actor must not only fulfil formal legal requirements but also build good communication and relationships with the surrounding community. “Do not assume that just because the administrative process is complete, the problem is solved. Build a good approach with the community. We want business activities to be in harmony with the surrounding environment,” he said. On the same occasion, Head of the Bandung City Diciptabintar, Rulli Subhanudin, provided an update on the handling of resident complaints regarding business activities in the Surya Sumantri area. His office had summoned the business manager and owner since early June 2026 after receiving public reports. According to Rulli, there were two issues complained about by residents: the alleged use of a drainage channel (branjang) and noise from business activities. “The inspection results showed that the use of the branjang was not proven. Nevertheless, the manager agreed to move the building back about one metre so that the channel remains open, and this has now been repaired,” he said. Regarding the noise issue, Rulli requested that the manager limit operational hours and establish an agreement with the local residents. He said the Bandung City Government is also preparing stricter regulations regarding the operating hours of businesses located near residential areas.