West Bandung Satpol PP Seals Illegal Projects on the Slope of Mount Pasarean

The West Bandung Regency Police (Satpol PP) in West Java, temporarily stopped project activities on the slopes of Mount Pasarean, Cihampelas District, because they had not met licensing requirements. Head of Regional Regulation Enforcement of Satpol PP West Bandung Regency Angga Saputra said the suspension was carried out after a joint team with the Public Works and Spatial Planning Office inspected the project site. "At the order of the Head of the Police, we coordinated with the village government, followed the deliberation, then together reviewed the location of the activity and found it was not licensed so it was sealed and temporarily stopped," said Angga as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, July 4. Based on the results of the inspection, the slope clearance activity did not have the required permits. Satpol PP then installed a sealing line and stopped all activities until all requirements were met. "The results of the inspection show that this activity does not have a permit. There should be no activities until all permits are met, including environmental mitigation documents," he said. Angga explained that this action was part of the enforcement of Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government and Government Regulation Number 16 of 2018 concerning the Police Pamong Praja Unit. In addition, the utilization of space and development activities must comply with licensing provisions as stipulated in Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning Cipta Kerja and its implementing regulations. He said the project owner was cooperative and accepted a temporary suspension until all administrative, technical, and environmental requirements were declared complete. "The project owner understands that all licensing processes must be completed first before activities can continue," said Angga. According to the project owner, the slope clearance was carried out to support the development of agricultural areas which will be equipped with road access and a number of supporting buildings after all permits are issued. Previously, heavy equipment activity at the location triggered residents' unrest because it was above residential areas, Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, and places of worship so that it was feared to increase the risk of landslides. The West Bandung Regency Government will evaluate the development plan thoroughly by prioritizing the safety of the community, legal certainty, and environmental protection before the project activities are allowed to resume.