PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Babakan Siliwangi, or what is familiarly abbreviated as Baksil, is not just an ordinary urban forest area in Bandung City. Behind the trees and the rivers that cross it, there is a rich and often controversial history, indicating the importance of this area to the people of Bandung City.

1. Colonial Era: The Beginning of a Natural Heritage

During the Dutch colonial era, this area was known as Lebak Gede, a green belt which was an inseparable part of the city of Bandung.

Formed by the Cikapundung River tens of thousands of years ago, Lebak Gede is considered a natural heritage for this city. Plans to make it an urban forest and plantation open to the general public were first initiated in 1920.

2. 1950s - 1980s Period: Towards the Era of Commercialization

After Indonesia's independence, the management of Lebak Gede was taken over by the Bandung City Government.

However, with the development of Bandung, the desire emerged to change the function of this area into a center of commercial activity.

During the administration of Mayor Otje Djundjunan, physical efforts in this area increased. The Babakan Siliwangi restaurant and various other tourist facilities were built, creating a bustling tourism atmosphere.

3. 1990s - Present Period: Controversy and Recovery

Commercialization has not come without controversy. Further development plans, especially those involving the private sector, raise pros and cons among the community.

In the midst of this debate, the fire that destroyed the Babakan Siliwangi Restaurant in 2003 added to the complexity of the situation. However, the struggle to maintain Babakan Siliwangi as an urban forest continues.

4. Current Development of Babakan Siliwangi: Back to the Roots

The declaration of Babakan Siliwangi as a world urban forest by the UN in 2011 provided new momentum. The Bandung City Government took firm steps by severing cooperation with the private sector in 2013, returning management completely to the government.

Efforts to organize Babakan Siliwangi as an urban forest that can be accessed by the community continue to be carried out, involving active participation from various parties.

Babakan Siliwangi, with its long and often challenging history, is a reflection of the struggle to protect the environment and its precious natural heritage.

In order to face a better future, steps to maintain and develop this area as a world-class green open space continue to be taken, hopefully becoming an inspiration for other cities. (Diskominfo Bandung City)