PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - After being temporarily suspended, the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) has reinstated Car Free Day (CFD) in Dago and Buahbatu. Furthermore, the Bandung City Government also reactivated the Car-Free Braga (Braga Beken) program on Sunday (October 4, 2026).

The reopening of CFD was welcomed by residents who began using the area for walking, cycling, and family activities.

Since 6:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), the Dago area has been bustling and lively. Unlike previous CFDs, this year's Dago Fair presents a more conducive atmosphere thanks to zoning arrangements coordinated by the Bandung City Government. This includes sterilizing commercial activities and flyers on the main route and separating lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.

Adi, a resident of Ujungberung who had come early in the morning, experienced this firsthand. He said the new arrangement allows residents to focus more on exercising without being distracted by road obstructions.

"The atmosphere is quite lively and festive. Because restrictions are now more stringent, no one is selling things or handing out flyers on the main route, so the atmosphere is much more focused on exercise. Pedestrians and cyclists have more freedom," said Adi.

Arin expressed similar comfort, taking advantage of the return of CFD to cycling. For Arin, the separation of non-vehicle traffic lanes is a plus, making the exercise activity feel safer.

"The atmosphere is very comfortable, especially since there are separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. The sidewalks are also well-maintained, so those of us on the bikes can stop for a moment to rest in peace," he said.

One of the residents, Refa, said he was happy to be able to return to activities with his family in the Dago area.

"It's been closed for a long time, and now it's just reopened. Maybe because it's new, it's not too crowded yet," said Refa.

Meanwhile, Mardi, a visitor to the Buahbatu CFD, expressed his hope that the event would resume operations as usual. He also hoped that vendors would reopen so that people could enjoy a variety of food and snacks while in the area.

In addition to being a space for community activities, Mardi hopes that CFD can help provide areas with cleaner air amid increasing pollution in Bandung City.

"Hopefully, CFD can run like before. We can walk, jog, or cycle in healthier air," he said.

Meanwhile, Braga Beken was also enthusiastically welcomed by residents and tourists. One resident, Nuri, assessed that the reopening of Braga Beken had a positive impact, particularly on smoother traffic flow in the Braga area.

"I think it's good. The road is more open, and there's no collision with cars or other vehicles," said Nuri.

While welcoming the implementation of CFD, Nuri believes there are still several things that need to be addressed to ensure the event runs more orderly. One issue of concern is the arrangement of parking areas.

"Don't park carelessly," he said.

In addition to parking issues, Nuri also highlighted the presence of vendors in several locations, which he believes still need to be regulated. He believes that vendors located on the roadside have the potential to obstruct vehicle access and cause congestion.

"Vendors must also be orderly. There shouldn't be too many vendors on the roadside. There are still one or two vendors selling there," said Nuri.

Ramdan, a puppet craftsman who has been in the Braga area for a long time, also gave his response regarding the return of Braga Beken.

As a long-time puppet craftsman in the area, Ramdan hopes that the area's development can continue, involving the government and various relevant parties. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)