Gadobangkong Square in Sukabumi Left in Disrepair After Viral 'Cardboard Turtle' Controversy

Public memory of the viral ‘Cardboard Turtle’ sculpture has barely faded, yet the Gadobangkong Square in Palabuhanratu, Sukabumi Regency, has once again come under the spotlight. The condition of this coastal tourism icon is now dire, showing severe damage throughout.

Sukabumi Regent Asep Japar and Regional Secretary Ade Suryaman personally inspected the site on Wednesday (18 February 2026).

The most conspicuous damage is visible on the giant “ALUN-ALUN GADOBANGKONG” landmark lettering. The red capital letters have come loose from their mountings and lie shattered across the pedestrian area.

The scattered debris of broken materials creates a run-down impression amid what is otherwise an imposing main structure.

Observing the condition of the newly completed tourism asset, Sukabumi Regent Asep Japar spoke out, expressing dismay that such damage had occurred given the considerable construction costs involved.

“This must be properly maintained, as it was only recently built at quite significant expense,” Japar said during his site inspection.

Japar assessed that the cleanliness management and physical maintenance carried out by the Environment Agency (DLH) had been suboptimal. He plans to transfer management responsibility to the Housing and Settlements Agency (Perkim).