The operation in Bandung City this time took place without major turmoil on the ground. The Bandung City Government stated that an educational approach and direct communication with residents were key factors making the demolition process more conducive compared to before.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said the process carried out together deliberately prioritized a persuasive approach to avoid triggering social friction with affected communities.

According to Farhan, many previous enforcement actions sparked resistance due to minimal communication between the government and residents. As a result, people felt they were merely objects of enforcement without receiving a complete explanation regarding the reasons for demolition.

“Now why is there relatively no resistance? Because we have educated and engaged in persuasive conversations. So the demolition does not cause friction,” Farhan said on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Farhan explained that the initial phase of enforcement focused on structures standing around state-owned assets. The enforcement measures were the result of coordination between the Bandung City Government and the West Java Provincial Government, discussed over the past month.

Farhan also appreciated the involvement of the West Java Provincial Government in assisting the demolition process. Collaboration between governments is important so that city area planning can proceed more quickly while reducing the potential for conflict in the community.

In addition to carrying out enforcement, the Bandung City Government has also begun educating residents and street vendors not to re-erect illegal buildings or sell goods on sidewalks.

“Changing people’s mindsets is an important part of maintaining city order in the long term,” he said.

The Bandung City Government is now preparing business training and digital assistance for traders affected by the enforcement.

“Through cooperation with marketplace platforms and e-commerce, traders can still run their businesses without having to use public facilities that disrupt urban planning,” Farhan said.

Bandung City

Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia, is a major cultural and economic hub known for its cool climate and colonial architecture. Founded in the early 19th century by the Dutch, it became a key center for the fight for independence, most notably hosting the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference. Today, it is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, fashion outlets, and surrounding natural beauty.

West Java Provincial Government

The West Java Provincial Government is the administrative authority governing the Indonesian province of West Java, with its capital in Bandung. Historically, the region played a key role during the Dutch colonial era as the center of the Priangan regencies, and Bandung later became a hub for Indonesia’s independence movement. Today, the government oversees the province’s development, culture, and public services, reflecting its rich Sundanese heritage and modern governance.