Activist: Jakarta Investors May Add Forest Problems in Bandung

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A discussion of problems in North Bandung Region at of Sunda Forestry and Environmental Observation Council (DPKLTS) revealed that investors from Jakarta are targeting north Bandung region for their business location. The investors seem to relocate their business since lands in Bogor have been more difficult to acquire.

Based on the West Java Regulation Number 1/2008, North Bandung Region is a water catchment area to supply water to the people living in the basin of Bandung. The area covers 21 Districts in Bandung City and Regency, Cimahi City, and West Bandung Regency. The total size of the North Bandung Region is more than 38,000 hectares. Therefore, administrations of the areas need to implement strict regulations to control building constructions based on West Java Governor’s recommendations.

Activist of DPKLTS, Taufan Suratno, said the problem arose as, for the last ten years, the government's lack of control has caused damages to KBU. "The problem includes land mobs, land disputes, and local politics. Now, Jakarta investors are taking a part in it," he said.

He expected that the West Java Governor, Ahmad Heryawan, and his Deputy, Deddy Mizwar, would utilize their authorities to protect the KBU. DPKLTS also urged West Java administrations to amend regulations about KBU to affirm the governor's authorities. "Deddy Mizwar's visit to KBU, few days ago, has raised our hopes. We don't want it to be a merely image of buildings," he added.

ANWAR SISWADI