Ono Surono Requests Postponement of Cihapit Land Eviction
The Deputy Chairman of the West Java Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), Ono Surono, has requested that the planned clearance of land in Cihapit, Bandung City, be postponed until the legal status of the land is definitively clarified. He emphasised that a thorough investigation into the history and validity of the land certificates is necessary before the government takes further action.
Ono made these remarks following an audience regarding the Cihapit land issue at the West Java DPRD on Thursday (17/09/2026). The meeting was attended by the West Java Education Office, the West Java Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD), the West Java Ombudsman, the West Java National Land Agency (BPN), and representatives from the Bandung City Government.
According to Ono, the audience serves as a follow-up to previous meetings with residents of Cihapit Village who currently occupy the land, which is claimed to be an asset of SMKN 2 Bandung. Previously, the Education Office and SMKN 2 Bandung had also conducted socialisation efforts with the local community.
Ono stated that the primary step must be to ensure the legal basis and trace the history of the land. This is due to the existence of two different certificates recorded for the same plot of land, namely certificates issued in 1978 and 1994.
“The legal facts must be clear first. The historical investigation, legal facts, and authenticity must be thoroughly verified,” said Ono.
The West Java BPN stated its readiness to conduct further investigations in collaboration with the Bandung City BPN. The West Java DPRD also plans to re-invite relevant parties early next week to obtain explanations regarding the history and the issuance process of the certificates.
He explained that the certification process includes procedures requiring the involvement of neighbouring residents during land measurement. However, according to residents, they were not involved when the 1994 certificate was issued.
“Consequently, the community is very certain that there were procedural irregularities regarding that certification. This is what must be proven through investigation,” he added.
The issue has also been reported by the community to the West Java Ombudsman. The institution will conduct an examination of the Cihapit land dispute and has recommended that the land clearance be postponed until the legal facts are established.
Once the legal status of the land is determined, the government can decide on a resolution, which may include community relocation and compensation. Should these resolutions fail, the community retains the right to pursue legal action.
Ono emphasised that the West Java DPRD will accompany the community throughout the investigation process. He expressed hope that the clarity of legal facts would serve as a basis for a resolution that provides certainty for both the community and the local government.