PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government is auditing the suitability and comfort of sidewalks in the Tegallega area as part of an effort to ensure that public facilities in Bandung City are friendly for the elderly and people with disabilities.

A number of community representatives were also involved to provide input for improving public facilities.

Acting Mayor of Bandung, A. Koswara emphasized the Bandung City Government's commitment to prioritizing human needs in city development, especially pedestrians.

"In order to complete the work of DSDABM (Water Resources and Highways Agency), we ensure that public facilities meet the criteria for use by the disabled and the elderly. We hear input from community representatives, which is used as material for improvement in building more inclusive public facilities," said Koswara (1/21/2025).

He also said that several sidewalks, such as on Jalan Lodaya and Jalan Ahmad Yani, will be prioritized to improve comfort. According to Koswara, city development must prioritize the human aspect, not private vehicles.

"If there is a conflict of interest between human and vehicle needs, pedestrians must be prioritized. Development that prioritizes humans, God willing, will make this city worth living in," he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of DSDABM Bandung City, Didi Ruswandi, said that input from the community was very helpful in the evaluation process.

"The elderly community asked for more benches on the sidewalks of the Tegallega area, every 50 meters there is a bench. The distance between the benches is still quite far," explained Didi.

"Then the community of deaf friends wanted more visual guide-lines as directions. We noted all of this input for improvement," explained Didi.

On that occasion, one of the representatives of the disability community, Aden, expressed his appreciation for always being involved in the public facility audit process.

"We prioritize public facilities such as terminals, train stations, and parks to be more accessible. Disability-friendly walkways and public toilets are also important needs," said Aden, who is a physical disability.

Similar things were conveyed by Sansan from the West Java Elderly Friendly Indonesia community. He hopes that comfortable sidewalks can be a priority for development in Bandung.

"When Bandung City is elderly-friendly, God willing, this city will be friendly to everyone. Pay attention to the comfort of the elderly when crossing and walking, let's tidy up the sidewalks so that it becomes useful input," said Sansan.

Through this audit, the Bandung City Government hopes to realize a more inclusive and livable city for all its citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with disabilities. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)