Bandung Mayor: Tree Felling for Padel Business Could Lead to Three-Year Prison Sentence
The perpetrator responsible for felling 10 trees on Jalan Riau (LL.RE Martadinata) in Bandung faces a prison sentence of three years and a fine of IDR 3 billion. The felling is strongly suspected to be linked to the opening of a padel court and café business located behind the tree area.
“Looking at the law, based on the Satpol PP report, it could be a criminal offence carrying more than three years, if I am not mistaken, a prison sentence. A fine of more than three billion,” said Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan on Monday (3/8/2026).
He stated that the Bandung City Satpol PP has almost completed its investigation into the felling of the 10 trees. Farhan said the violation regarding the felling of the 10 trees is not only a breach of local regulations but could also violate the national environmental law.
“Regarding law enforcement and who is involved, I cannot yet say who, as it would be too speculative. But the next question is, what will the city government do in response to this issue,” he said.
He confirmed that together with the relevant agencies, the pavement will be repaired and the area reorganised so it can be replanted. The replanting must use semi-mature trees, not seedlings.
Farhan said there is a strong suspicion that the tree felling was related to the business interests of the building at the rear. His administration is currently investigating the permits for the business premises.
“From my initial look at the report, it is not complete. There are still some permits that are in process or have not even been processed at all,” he said.
He continued that if the tree felling is prosecuted under local regulations, the penalty would be replacing one felled tree with 100 seedlings and a fine of IDR 10 million. This violation would be classified as a minor offence.
“Tomorrow we will hold a coordination meeting to handle this issue, and we will make an announcement,” he said.
If any state civil apparatus (ASN) is found to be involved, he confirmed he would take firm action.