Bandung Mayor Investigates Civil Servant Involvement in Illegal Tree Felling

Bandung, Indonesia — Mayor M. Farhan of Bandung has ordered a thorough investigation into the potential involvement of civil servants (ASN) following the illegal felling of 10 public trees within the city. The incident has raised significant concerns about the protection of urban green spaces and the integrity of administrative oversight. The trees, located at the intersection of Jalan LLRE Martadinata (Jalan Riau) and Jalan Cihapit, were allegedly cut down between the night of July 1st and the early morning of July 2nd. Preliminary reports suggest the felling was carried out to improve the aesthetics of a nearby padel facility and cafe, or possibly for construction purposes. Witnesses reported that the individuals involved were wearing uniforms, initially leading to their mistaken identity as officials. Mayor Farhan expressed his fury during an unannounced inspection on July 31st, immediately ordering the site to be cordoned off and the businesses responsible to cease operations. Suspecting a "backer" behind the unauthorized act, he has tasked the Bandung City Secretary and the Inspectorate to probe any possible collusion by civil servants. He vowed that any ASN found to be involved would face severe sanctions in accordance with prevailing laws. This unauthorized felling also violates the moratorium on tree cutting issued by the Governor of West Java and contravenes environmental protection regulations. Mayor Farhan stated his intention to escalate the matter to the Governor and the Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to pursue legal action. The Governor of West Java has also voiced strong concerns, highlighting the weakness in local government supervision. He sounded an alarm over the ease with which public greenery, vital for residents' quality of life, can be lost due to commercial interests. Residents have expressed anxieties about the degradation of the city's landscape and environment. Source: CNN Indonesia