Viral 'Snow' in Cipatat Prompts Environmental Investigation in West Bandung
The Environmental Agency of West Bandung Regency (DLH KBB) has launched an investigation into suspected air pollution in the Cipatat area, where airborne dust created a snow-like scene that went viral on social media. The phenomenon occurred along the Bandung-Cianjur highway in Gunungmasigit Village.
Head of DLH KBB, Ibrahim Adjie, stated that the Environmental Protection and Management Supervision Team (PPLH) had conducted field verification at several limestone processing industries in Cipatat District to trace the source of the pollution. The agency has even summoned one company for clarification. “Our PPLH team has carried out field verification at the limestone processing industries in the Cipatat area. Today, we summoned one company to provide a statement as a follow-up to the field inspection results,” Ibrahim said on Monday (29/6/2026).
He revealed that the team has gathered a number of pieces of evidence from the field examination. However, the full results of the investigation cannot yet be published as they are still awaiting the completion of administrative examination documents and laboratory test results. “We have collected several pieces of evidence from the field verification, but the results cannot be disclosed yet because we are waiting for the examination files to be completed, including today’s findings and the laboratory test results,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Ibrahim confirmed that the white layer blanketing the residential area, making it look like snow, is indeed dust originating from limestone processing activities. “Based on the direct inspection of the viral location, it is confirmed that the white colour is dust from limestone processing,” he stated.
In addition to generating large amounts of dust, the preliminary inspection also found that the company lacked a dust suction system in its production area. This deficiency is suspected to have caused fine dust to be blown out of the industrial zone and pollute the surrounding environment. “The company does not have a suction device or industrial dust extractor to reduce limestone dust in the factory work area, causing the surrounding area to be filled with microscopic dust that degrades air quality,” Ibrahim clarified.
The agency is open to imposing sanctions if the investigation concludes that there have been violations of environmental regulations. “Sanctions may be imposed if the examination results indicate pollution or environmental violations. However, we are waiting for the comprehensive results of the investigation,” he said.
Previously, a video showing the Bandung-Cianjur highway in Gunungmasigit Village, Cipatat District, resembling a snowy landscape went viral on social media. At first glance, the footage appeared to show an area covered in snow. Roofs of houses, trees, and the surrounding environment looked white as if blanketed by a layer of snow. In reality, the scene was not caused by a natural snowfall like in Korea or other four-season countries, but was suspected to be the result of dust pollution from nearby limestone processing plants. The circulating video showed buildings and trees covered in white dust blanketing almost the entire surrounding area. According to residents and motorists, this condition has been ongoing for a long time.