Land Conversion Issues: Four Tourist Attractions Sealed
The Ministry of Environment has responded to the recent flash flood disaster in Puncak, Bogor Regency, caused by extensive land conversion from forests and plantations.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, and Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto inspected several tourist attractions in Puncak. They issued monitoring notices to sites found in violation of environmental regulations.
Government Takes Action Against Illegal Land Use
“We have received numerous public complaints, and the devastating impact of these floods is undeniable. This action aligns with enforcing environmental laws,” said Zulkifli Hasan after sealing the locations, as reported by antaranews.com.
As of March 6, 2025, authorities have sealed four tourist sites that operate in collaboration with PT Perkebunan Nusantara VIII. The sealed locations include:
- A tea factory owned by PT Sumber Sari Bumi Pakuan
- Hibisc Fantasy Puncak, managed by PT Jaswita BUMD Jabar
- A café and restaurant under PT Perkebunan Nusantara 1 Regional 2
- Eiger Adventure Land eco-tourism site
“Today, we sealed four locations violating environmental laws. Additionally, we identified 29 other buildings that will also be monitored and possibly sealed,” said Minister Hanif in Cisarua, Bogor.
Authorities have found indications of criminal violations in the construction of these tourist attractions. Investigations will proceed to determine legal accountability.
“The indications of criminal offenses are clear. We will pursue legal actions against the tenants whose properties have been confiscated,” Hanif stated.
Environmental Damage and Legal Implications
Studies show these buildings significantly contributed to flooding, causing extensive material losses and one fatality. Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan emphasized the need for a detailed land-use analysis to prevent future disasters.
“The central government cannot remain passive. We must take serious action. These environmental disasters keep recurring, signaling that nature is retaliating against reckless land misuse,” he said.
Local Regulations and Land Conversion
Hanif revealed that land conversion and illegal constructions have continued due to persistent defiance from business operators. These developments were further enabled by West Java’s revised spatial planning regulations under Regional Regulation No. 9 of 2022.
“Approximately 800 hectares of conservation forest have been converted into agricultural land and settlements without proper environmental impact assessments. In highland and riverbank areas, resorts and tourist attractions should not be allowed, as rainwater runoff directly impacts residential areas without being absorbed,” Hanif explained, citing tempo.co.
Zulkifli Hasan pledged support for the Ministry of Environment and the West Java government in enforcing environmental laws. He backed the plan to revoke permits and dismantle buildings contributing to ecological damage.
“Anyone who violates the law will be treated equally before the law, as per President Prabowo Subianto’s directive. We must restore Puncak as a green conservation and water catchment area,” he asserted.
West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi announced the revocation of Regional Regulation No. 9 of 2022, recognizing its role in enabling illegal construction in conservation areas. He also confirmed that Hibisc Fantasy Puncak’s permit would be revoked, and demolition would commence immediately.
“We will repeal this regulation and restore West Java’s natural landscape to protect residents in West Java and Jakarta. The Jakarta government must also cooperate by preventing its residents from building villas and similar structures in Bogor. Environmental conservation is a shared responsibility,” said Dedi.
Expanding Environmental Enforcement Across Ciliwung River Basin
The crackdown will extend along the Ciliwung River Basin, from its headwaters in Puncak to its downstream sections in Jakarta.
“We are starting with Segment One of the Ciliwung River Basin. The headwaters are in Bogor Regency, followed by segments in Bogor City, then back to Bogor Regency, Depok, and ultimately Jakarta,” officials explained.
Governor Dedi Mulyadi reaffirmed his commitment to restoring West Java’s ecosystem according to its original spatial plan. He stressed the importance of Jakarta’s cooperation in preventing further illegal developments.
Stricter Permit Regulations in Bogor Regency
Responding to the widespread land conversion in Bogor Regency, Regent Rudy Susmanto has revoked the authority of local government agencies to issue permits. Going forward, he will personally oversee environmental-related permits to ensure stricter compliance.
“I have signed a new Regent’s Regulation today, centralizing all permit approvals under the regional head. We are withdrawing the authority previously delegated to local agencies,” Rudy stated.
Additionally, he announced plans to review previously granted permits to ensure environmental compliance.
By taking decisive action, the government aims to restore environmental balance, prevent future disasters, and uphold legal regulations to protect residents and natural resources in West Java and Jakarta.
Source: tempo.co, antaranews.com, terasjabar.id
Special Photo Credit: via hariansib.com
