Trees in Bandung Stripped and Injected with Battery Acid, Perpetrators Found

Acts of vandalism against shade trees on the streets of Bandung, West Java, have occurred again. After the felling of trees in the Cihapit-Riau intersection area to improve visibility for a videotron on a padel building, tree damage has now taken place in several areas such as Jalan Pahlawan and Kiaracondong. The perpetrators stripped the bark in a ring from the middle down to near the roots, drilled holes, and injected electrolyte fluid or battery acid.

Bandung Mayor M Farhan confirmed that the perpetrators of tree damage in various areas have been found. He said the individuals have been questioned and face sanctions for their actions. “The perpetrator has been found, a local resident, and is being mediated,” Farhan said after inaugurating the Cihanja Green Open Space in Ciumbuleuit on Tuesday (18/8), as quoted by detikJabar.

In addition to Jalan Pahlawan, the perpetrator of tree damage in the Kiaracondong area has also been found. The perpetrator drilled into the tree and injected battery acid. “The others are also being processed for investigation reports, because in Kiaracondong the tree was injected with battery acid. The perpetrator is being punished,” Farhan said.

“Likewise with Cijerah. Not all of Cijerah yet, but there have been confessions from two perpetrators. We are looking for two other perpetrators, still on the wanted list,” he stressed.

“The case in Dago is also still in the investigation report process, as is the case in the Saunggaling area which is still under investigation,” Farhan continued.

Farhan assured that strict sanctions will be prepared for the perpetrators. Especially if the perpetrators are found to have business-related motives, as happened in front of SixNine Padel on Jalan LLRE Martadinata or Jalan Riau. “I will see if it is proven that there is a direct link between the tree cutting and business activities in the surrounding area, then we will review the permit. And perhaps like on Jalan Riau, there is a direct link with the videotron. We sealed the videotron and it has not been turned on until now,” Farhan said.