BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – A forest area in Jembrana Regency that recently sparked public concern on social media over alleged deforestation has been identified as production forest land located within the Forest Utilization Business Permit (PBPH) concession of PT Wira Darma Bakti (WDB).

The clarification was made by Agus Sugiyanto, Head of the West Bali Forest Management Unit (KPH Bali Barat), following the circulation of satellite images showing a significant reduction in vegetation cover in the area.

The images triggered widespread discussion online, with some users linking the site to reports of a proposed horse racing or polo facility in Gilimanuk, western Bali.

Agus emphasized that the area in question is not protected forest but production forest under the responsibility of PT Wira Darma Bakti as the permit holder.

“It is production forest. If the area falls within PT Wira Darma Bakti’s PBPH concession, then it is under the company’s responsibility,” Agus said on Wednesday (June 10, 2026).

According to him, the image widely shared online was a Google Earth satellite image taken in October 2024, showing approximately 1.84 hectares of land that had been cleared for a groundbreaking ceremony and a traditional Balinese ritual known as Pecaruan Agung.

He added that the site has since been naturally revegetated with shrubs and young trees.

Despite the explanation, concerns remain over the ecological significance of the West Bali forest landscape, which serves as an important biodiversity buffer, water catchment area, and environmental safeguard for the western tip of Bali Island.

The issue prompted reactions from netizens who questioned how the forest area could have been cleared.

“How could it be cut down? Any change in forest cover should be strictly monitored because it can lead to ecological impacts such as loss of wildlife habitat, increased erosion, reduced groundwater absorption, and a higher risk of flooding and drought during certain seasons,” wrote social media user @litle simba in a post cited on Wednesday.

Another user, identified as @otnir, expressed concern about potential environmental damage if development plans were to proceed.

“It should be restored according to its original function,” the user commented.

In response, Agus said KPH Bali Barat continues to conduct regular patrols and monitoring in the area. He stressed that authorities have not found any signs of construction or land utilization activities linked to the rumors circulating online.

“To date, there has been no activity whatsoever, except for the obligation to arrange and mark the boundaries of PT Wira Darma Bakti’s concession area following a work instruction issued by the Regional Forest Area Consolidation Agency (BPKH) Region VIII,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jembrana Regent I Made Kembang Hartawan previously stated that the local administration had never received any official communication regarding plans to develop a horse racing facility or other investment projects in the disputed area.

Although officials have clarified that the land is classified as production forest within PT Wira Darma Bakti’s concession, the controversy has renewed public attention on the importance of monitoring forest utilization in West Bali.

Environmental observers note that strict oversight is essential to ensure that all activities comply with regulations and do not threaten the sustainability of forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental balance in Jembrana and the wider Bali region.