Anwar Siswadi (Kontributor), Bandung – The Bandung City government is urging the developers of the Jagat app to take responsibility for the damage caused to public parks by users engaged in "coin hunting" within the app.
Acting Mayor of Bandung, A. Koswara, has called on the app developers to rectify the damage in Tegalega Park. "The application developers have expressed their intention to repair the damaged park, and we hope they will follow through on their promise," he said in a written statement on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
The damage to Tegalega Park is believed to be a result of the app-based game, which encourages users to search for virtual coins hidden in various locations, including public parks. To minimize the impact of this activity, the park has been placed under increased security.
Rizki Kusrulyadi, Head of the Bandung City Parks and Cemeteries Service (DPKP), has requested a temporary halt to the use of the app within park areas until repairs are completed.
"We are requesting that they cease using the app within our park while the repairs are underway. The point is we want the park to be restored to its original condition," he explained.
Rizki said that negotiations with the app developers are ongoing. While the DPKP is not seeking financial compensation, it is insisting on direct repairs to the affected parks. "We are not asking for money; we are requesting direct repairs. They have agreed to repair several damaged parks," he added.
Furthermore, Rizki suggested that the game's concept be revised to promote education and environmental awareness instead of solely focusing on the acquisition of virtual currency. "This type of game may be successful in other countries, but it may not be suitable here," he noted.
The recent trend of "Jagat coin hunting" has led to damage to public facilities, with users dismantling and destroying park features in their pursuit of hidden virtual coins.
According to Eric Susanto, a security officer at Tegalega Park, the stairs have been particularly impacted by this activity. "Many of the paving blocks have been removed, and some users, frustrated by their inability to find coins, have resorted to vandalism," he reported. Repairs to some of the damaged facilities have already commenced.