Bandung City Fines 5 Individuals Over Rp 100 Billion for Illegal Tree Cutting

Bandung City, Indonesia, has imposed fines totaling over Rp 100 billion (approximately USD 6.5 million) on five individuals for illegally cutting down trees in public areas. The violations were recorded between February and June 2026. According to the Head of Bandung City's Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), Bambang Sukardi, individual fines ranged from Rp 10 million to Rp 60 million. The most significant penalties, totaling Rp 60 million, were levied against two offenders in June 2026. "So, there is still a lack of coordination between RT/RW, or village and sub-district heads," said Bambang, as reported by detikJabar on Tuesday (14/7/2026) from Pendopo Kota Bandung. Sukardi further explained that the Bandung City Government had actually provided some relaxation for village and sub-district heads. Residents who wished to trim trees themselves could do so, provided they had coordinated with their local RT/RW. "Perhaps due to a lack of socialization, they became impatient. Whereas, it could actually be done, just by requesting a facilitator and submitting it to the DPKP (Department of Parks and City Planning) as the responsible agency," he revealed. "If they carry out cutting without coordination, then we will take action. We summon them, and indeed, there are rules we must follow, especially regarding administrative fines. It amounts to approximately Rp 100 billion," he stated. According to Bambang, the majority of violations occurred due to cutting trees along public roads. He mentioned that, on average, the reason given was that the trees were obstructing access to residential areas. "The cutters might need it for their driveway or something, or it obstructs their driveway access because they don't understand the procedures. Sometimes, that's actually where most violations occur," he concluded. Read more here.