Residents of the Melong Green Garden complex in Cimahi, West Java, have launched a coordinated protest against local authorities by placing “House for Sale” signs on approximately 100 properties. The residents are demanding action regarding a chocolate factory that has operated adjacent to their neighborhood since 2016, citing long-standing concerns over noise, odor, liquid waste, and air pollution.
Protest Tactics and Resident Grievances
The campaign, which spans RW 28 and RW 06 in the South Cimahi district, utilizes signs reading “House for Sale, Contact the Cimahi City Government for Factory Investment” to highlight the residents’ frustration. According to Arifin Hakim, a representative for the affected residents, this action serves as a final measure after years of complaints to local authorities failed to produce results. Residents have also displayed red-painted banners on white fabric at multiple points in the neighborhood to formally express their opposition to the factory’s presence.
Arifin stated that the land now occupied by the factory was previously used for agriculture, specifically rice fields and water spinach gardens, before the facility was established. Residents claim the structure was initially permitted as a storage warehouse in 2016 but has since expanded significantly, with facility walls now positioned directly against residential properties. In addition to environmental concerns, Arifin alleged that residents—many of whom are elderly—have faced intimidation from individuals hired by the factory owners, limiting their ability to protest beyond social media platforms.
Regulatory Disputes and Zoning Concerns
A primary point of contention involves the proximity of the factory to residential zones. Arifin cited Peraturan Menteri Perindustrian (Permenperind) Nomor 35 Tahun 2010, which requires a 2-kilometer buffer zone between industrial areas and residential settlements. The residents argue that the factory is situated only 100 meters from their homes, violating these spatial planning regulations.
While residents report that the facility began commercial operations in 2016, they note that the official permit was not issued until 2019. Previous complaints regarding environmental impacts were reportedly directed to the West Java Environmental Agency (DLH Jabar) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, yet residents contend that the core issue of the factory’s location remains unresolved.
Legislative Response and Next Steps
The Cimahi City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has formally intervened in the dispute. Chairman of the Cimahi DPRD, Wahyu Widyatmoko, confirmed that the council held an audience with representatives from RW 28 and RW 06 to discuss the environmental, social, and health concerns raised by the neighborhood.
The DPRD plans to convene a meeting next week involving the relevant city departments, company representatives, and the affected residents to examine the factory’s legal status, building permits, and zoning compliance. As of the current reporting, the Cimahi City Government has not provided an official statement regarding the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are residents putting up “For Sale” signs?
The signs are a form of protest against the Cimahi City Government, signaling the residents’ frustration that their long-standing complaints about the nearby chocolate factory have not been addressed.
What regulations do residents claim are being violated?
Residents point to Peraturan Menteri Perindustrian Nomor 35 Tahun 2010, which stipulates a 2-kilometer buffer zone between industrial and residential areas, whereas the factory is located 100 meters from their homes.
What is the status of the factory’s operations?
According to residents, the factory began commercial production in 2016, though official permits were not issued until 2019.
How do you believe local governments should balance industrial development with the quality of life for long-term residential communities?
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