West Java Regional Council Urges Resolution of Land Dispute in Cihapit
BANDUNG — The West Java Provincial Regional Representative Council (DPRD) has asked the West Java Education Office (Disdik) to postpone its plan to clear land in Ciliwung Dalam, Cihapit Subdistrict, Bandung City. The postponement is deemed necessary until the status and ownership history of the land can be established through a joint clarification process.
The request was conveyed by Deputy Speaker of the West Java DPRD, Ono Surono, after receiving an audience from residents of RT 02 RW 03 Ciliwung Dalam, Cihapit Subdistrict, Bandung City, on Monday (7/9/2026). During the audience, Ono was accompanied by Rafael Situmorang, a member of Commission I of the West Java DPRD.
At least 26 plots or houses are involved in the dispute. Residents say they have occupied the area since around the 1960s. Some of those living at the site are said to be teachers and pensioners.
The problem arose after residents received notice of a plan to clear the land, reportedly linked to assets belonging to SMKN 2 Bandung.
Residents then questioned the basis for the plan. They claim to hold freehold title certificates (SHM) issued as early as 1978. Meanwhile, a certificate relating to SMKN 2 Bandung is said to have been issued in 1994.
The discrepancy between the documents and the history of land control is considered to require thorough examination so that the legal position of each party can be established.
Ono said the West Java DPRD cannot yet draw a conclusion on the land’s status based solely on the account of one party. According to him, all documents and information need to be clarified together.
“We need to cross-check various pieces of information and documents. We will invite the residents, the Education Office, the regional agencies handling finance and assets, the National Land Agency (BPN), as well as Commission I, which oversees asset matters, and Commission V, which oversees education,” Ono said.
According to Ono, the documents held by the residents, including the certificate said to have been issued in 1978, as well as the asset documents and certificates related to SMKN 2 Bandung from 1994, must be examined jointly.
This step is important in order to see the full history of land control and administration, so that the resolution of the matter can be carried out based on data and applicable regulations.
Ono added that the West Java DPRD will also send a letter to the West Java Education Office requesting that the clearance plan not be carried out whilst the clarification and facilitation process is under way.
“Our hope is that whilst this process is ongoing, there will be no agenda whatsoever regarding the clearance. We will wait until the meeting with all parties, and the matter is truly clear and settled,” he said.
Ono said the need for land to support the delivery of education is also something that must be considered. However, according to him, that need must still be reconciled with the legal aspects and the social conditions of the community that has long occupied the area.