PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government has made reducing the open unemployment rate its main task in the direction of future development.

This was conveyed by the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, in the 2026 Bandung City RKPD Development Planning Conference (Musrenbang) held at the Grandia Hotel, Thursday (9/4/2026).

Farhan stated that Bandung City's open unemployment rate currently stands at 7.44 percent, higher than the West Java average. This situation is a major focus because it directly impacts public welfare and economic growth.

"This is a very difficult task. We want to boost Bandung's economic growth to 7 to 8 percent in the next three years," said Farhan.

To achieve this target, the Bandung City Government will promote several leading economic sectors, one of which is the fashion industry. According to Farhan, Bandung has great potential as a creative city synonymous with fashion trends.

"Bandung must return to its identity as a fashion city. This is a sector we can encourage to create jobs," he said.

Furthermore, the Bandung City Government is also seriously focusing on infrastructure improvements, particularly roads. Farhan acknowledged that the condition of Bandung's roads is currently declining.

"Usually, it's above 95 percent, but now it's approaching 90 percent. This means that around 10 percent, or approximately 150 kilometers, of the road is in severe disrepair," he said.

He confirmed that road repairs will begin this month with a budget of around Rp300 billion. The initial phase will focus on 17 road sections and will be carried out collaboratively with the West Java Provincial Government.

"In the next one to two months, we will work with the province to accelerate road repairs and beautification," he explained.

On the other hand, Farhan stated that the labor-intensive program is only temporary. For a long-term solution, the Bandung City Government will encourage business growth to create sustainable jobs.

"The key is investment. From investment, businesses will emerge, and then we'll match industry needs with workforce competencies," he said.

He also highlighted the increasing number of productive-age immigrants to Bandung. Based on Laci RW data recommended by the Central Statistics Agency, there are approximately 150,000 productive-age immigrants in Bandung.

According to Farhan, this situation must be utilized as an opportunity by ensuring that immigrants have access to population administration.

"If they have a Bandung ID card, they'll have a better chance of getting jobs and government training. So we encourage them to process their relocation paperwork immediately," he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Bandung City Council, Edwin Senjaya, stated that planning is crucial for targeted development through the Musrenbang (Regional Development Planning Forum). He described cities as living entities that are constantly evolving and require adaptive public policies.

"This Musrenbang is an important opportunity to ensure that the policies adopted truly benefit the community's welfare," he said.

Edwin also stated the DPRD's commitment to support and oversee joint development programs with the Bandung City Government, both through Musrenbang, regional initiative programs, and the results of council members' recesses.

"We are ready to be a strategic and critical partner to ensure optimal development in Bandung City," he said.

On the same occasion, the Head of the Bandung City Bapperida, Anton Sunarwibowo, reported that the Musrenbang RKPD was an important stage in the preparation of the 2027 regional government work plan.

He stated that 3,452 public proposals had been entered into the system, with 3,269 approved and 152 returned for revision. The total indicative budget allocated reached Rp154 billion.

"All proposals are still in the final verification process and will become part of the minutes of the city-level Musrenbang agreement," explained Anton.

The 2026 Bandung City Regional Development Planning (RKPD) Musrenbang was attended by approximately 360 participants from various sectors, including the government, the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), the business community, academics, and the community. This event served as a strategic forum for formulating a more inclusive and sustainable development direction for Bandung City. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)