Today, Monday (July 21, 2025), a series of events unfolded in West Java. From tourism workers staging demonstrations demanding the repeal of a study tour ban to a shocking incident in Bandung involving an assault, the region has seen it all. Here’s a quick recap of today’s highlights:
Tourism workers gathered outside Gedung Sate in Bandung to protest against Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s Circular Letter No. 43/PK.03.03/KESRA, which prohibits study tours for schools across West Java. The demonstration was organized by the “Solidarity of West Java Tourism Workers,” with dozens of buses honking loudly in support.
“Our demand is simple: revoke the governor’s ban on school study tours, allowing trips from West Java to other regions,” said action coordinator Herdi Sudardja. He expressed that the ongoing ban has severely impacted the livelihoods of many tourism workers, including bus companies and local businesses offering souvenirs and catering services.
Heri pointed out that neither Yogyakarta nor Central Java has imposed similar restrictions, making the situation frustrating. Despite several attempts to engage the governor, including a formal letter from transportation sector entrepreneurs in May 2025, they have received no response. “It seems the governor favors an oligarchic approach, avoiding direct dialogue with tourism entrepreneurs,” he added.
If their demands aren’t met, the protesters threaten to escalate their actions, warning that today’s turnout only represents about 10% of West Java’s tourism workforce. “Our next steps could involve even larger demonstrations,” Heri stated. The protest continued to block access to the Pasupati flyover, with buses occupying Surapati Street as drivers were diverted to alternative routes.
Meanwhile, the West Java Police have taken over the investigation into a tragic incident at the wedding of the governor’s child, which led to three fatalities. “The case was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Directorate, with assistance from the Garut Police,” said AKP Joko Prihatin, from the Garut Police. The incident unfolded during a public entertainment event tied to the wedding, where chaos ensued as a crowd surged forward, resulting in multiple people being trampled.
Activist Neni Nur Hayati has filed a formal complaint against the West Java Communication and Information Office, seeking an apology after becoming a target of digital harassment following a TikTok post criticizing the use of social media influencers in politics. “We demand a public apology and the removal of her image from their posts,” stated Neni’s lawyer, Ikhwan Fajrojhi. Neni recounted the overwhelming nature of the online attacks, which escalated to threats against her safety.
In a separate incident, three homes were lost to a blaze in the densely populated Kebon Kalapa area of Tasikmalaya, with no casualties but significant property damage. Initial investigations suggest a cooking stove was left unattended, causing the flames to spread rapidly through the wooden structures. Emergency crews promptly responded to extinguish the fire, but the affected residents have now sought refuge with relatives.
Lastly, a viral incident involving a man suspected of groping women in Coblong, Bandung, raised alarms that he was mentally ill. Following public outrage and swift action by bystanders, he was apprehended and taken to a mental health facility after the family of the suspect expressed their sorrow for the victim.
