DENPASAR, BALINEWSID.COM – Alleged environmental damage in the Benoa Port area has drawn PT Pertamina Patra Niaga into a legal dispute after three non-governmental organizations formally reported the company to the Bali Police. The report accuses the firm of being responsible for the death of hundreds of mangrove trees in the KSOP Benoa area, South Denpasar.

The complaint was officially filed on Saturday (February 28, 2026) through the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT) of Polda Bali under registration number Dumas/362/II/2026/SPKT/Polda Bali. The reporting parties are Gerakan BersihBersih Bali, Gasos Bali, and Belati Bali.

Putu Ari Sagita, S.H., M.H., head of the legal team representing the complainants from Relawan Advokasi Nusantara, stated that the report concerns alleged environmental crimes resulting in damage to the mangrove ecosystem on the western side of Benoa Port Road.

“We are reporting suspected environmental crimes related to the death of hundreds of mangrove trees in the Benoa area,” he said after accompanying the complainants to the Bali Police headquarters.

According to him, the report refers to alleged violations of Articles 98(1) in conjunction with Article 99(1) of Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management. He emphasized that the legal action reflects public concern over the sustainability of Bali’s coastal ecosystem.

Laboratory research conducted by a team from the Agricultural Hospital of Universitas Udayana revealed the presence of hydrocarbon compounds—particularly diesel fuel—in samples taken from the dead mangroves. The findings have strengthened suspicions of pollution in the area.

The complainants are urging authorities to implement bioremediation measures rather than simply replanting mangroves. “If the soil and water media are already contaminated, reforestation alone will not be sufficient. A bioremediation process is necessary to restore the ecosystem,” he stressed.

Separately, Ahad Rahedi, Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR Jatimbalinus of Pertamina Patra Niaga, stated that the company would coordinate with relevant environmental authorities to follow up on the report.

“We will coordinate and follow up with competent institutions in the environmental sector,” he said briefly when contacted.

The case has attracted public attention, given the vital role of Benoa’s mangrove forests in preventing coastal abrasion, absorbing carbon emissions, and serving as a habitat for coastal biodiversity. The public now awaits further investigation by law enforcement authorities to determine the exact cause behind the mass mangrove die-off. (*)