PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government continues to strengthen the trade and tourism ecosystem following the reopening of Husein Sastranegara International Airport. One area being prepared to seize this opportunity is the Pasar Baru Trade Center.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that Husein Airport and Pasar Baru are strongly linked in supporting Bandung's economic growth. The resumption of flights from Husein Airport is seen as a momentum for merchants to improve their preparedness for tourist arrivals.

This was conveyed by Farhan when attending the Grand Gathering and Thanksgiving of Traders at the Pasar Baru Trade Center in Bandung City together with Husein Sastranegara International Airport at the Pasar Baru Trade Center, Monday (21/9/2026).

"We've always believed that Husein Airport and Pasar Baru are related. What does that mean? If Husein Airport shuts down, Pasar Baru will bleed to death," said Farhan.

According to him, the reactivation of Husein Airport must be accompanied by readiness in the trade and tourism sectors. Merchants are urged to continue innovating so that Pasar Baru can become an attractive shopping destination for tourists visiting Bandung.

"Without the vendors' preparedness, it would be pointless if tourists came here and found it deserted, lacking goods, and nothing of value. So we must be ready to attract our potential customers," he said.

Farhan also opened up the possibility of developing a shuttle service connecting Husein Airport with Pasar Baru. This idea could be developed in collaboration with the Public Transportation Cooperative (Kopamas) and Pasar Baru managers and vendors.

"If there's a proposal to provide a shuttle service from Pasar Baru to the airport and back, I think it would be interesting if we offered it to Kopamas," he said.

According to Farhan, this connectivity can become part of Bandung City's economic ecosystem, while also making it easier for tourists to go directly to the trade center after arriving in Bandung.

In addition to airport connectivity, Farhan said there is an idea to develop a world-class night culinary center area along Jalan Otista, the Pasar Baru area and Old Chinatown.

The plan will be followed by the development of several supporting infrastructure projects, including roads, street lighting, and road markings. The development will also be coordinated with the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Bandung City.

Farhan said that improving infrastructure quality is part of the effort to build a more integrated region capable of supporting economic activity, tourism, and community mobility.

"This is part of our efforts to carry out physical development in accordance with the aligned programs of the central government, provincial government, and city government," he said.

Meanwhile, Iwan Suhermawan, Chairman of the Bandung Pasar Baru Traders Association, welcomed the opportunity. He asked the Bandung City Government to ensure that the infrastructure around the Pasar Baru area increasingly supports trade activities and tourist visits.

"We ask you to repair the infrastructure around Pasar Baru, which is the responsibility of the Bandung City Government," said Iwan.

He also hopes that there will be a scheme to pick up tourists from Husein Airport to Pasar Baru using public transportation.

"We will later ask the Mayor for guidance on how to arrange for the Tourism Office to pick up guests from Husein Airport and take them directly to Pasar Baru using public transportation," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)