DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Three environmental community groups have formally reported an alleged environmental crime following the death of hundreds of mangrove trees in the Benoa area near the Bali Mandara Toll Road.
The report was submitted to Bali Police on Saturday (February 28) through the Legal Team of Relawan Advokasi Nusantara, consisting of five advocates representing the communities.
The reporting parties include Komunitas Bersih-Bersih Bali, Komunitas Belati, and Komunitas Gasos Bali. The groups filed a complaint against PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, alleging violations of Indonesia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law (Law No. 32 of 2009).
The complaint refers to Article 98 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 99 paragraph (1) of the law, which regulates criminal penalties for individuals or entities that intentionally or negligently cause environmental quality standards to be exceeded. The provisions carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to IDR 10 billion.
As the alleged act involves a corporate entity, the report also cites Article 119 letter c of the same law, which allows for additional sanctions, including remediation measures for environmental damage.
Putu Ari Sagita, representing the legal team, said the report was initiated after information about the mangrove deaths circulated widely on social media. The three communities conducted a site visit on Friday (February 27) between 13:00 and 16:00 WITA.
At the location, they observed numerous mangrove species, including Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, and Avicennia marina, in dead or severely deteriorated condition. Branches and trunks were reportedly dry and leafless.
The groups also noted pipe repair activities in the area carried out by personnel linked to PT Pertamina Patra Niaga near the Benoa mangrove forest.
To assess the cause of the damage, the communities gathered information from various sources, including academic research. According to a study conducted by Udayana University, the affected mangroves were found to be contaminated by petroleum waste, particularly diesel fuel.
The reporting communities expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the critical role of mangroves in coastal ecosystems, including shoreline protection, carbon absorption, and providing habitat for marine life.
“The impact is permanent and harms the wider community, especially considering that some of these trees have been standing for decades,” Ari Sagita said.
The legal team urged Bali Police to handle the report promptly and professionally, citing the significant ecological impact on the mangrove area surrounding the Ngurah Rai and Benoa toll road corridor. The case is now under review by authorities.