PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Regional Government held a chat event with artists with the title "Sawala: Welcoming Bandung City's Cultural Progress" at the Bandung City Hall (31/5/2024).

This discussion aims to formulate strategies for maintaining and developing the existence of arts and culture in the city of Bandung.

Bandung City musician, Ega Robot expressed concern about the lack of documentation of artists' work, the lack of appreciation for local art, and the need for cultural integration in education.

"The thing we have to maintain at this time is the interest in appreciating artists," explained Ega.

The artists highlighted the lack of facilities for the arts and suggested that the government should be more active in facilitating artistic activities.

Ega Robot also expressed concern that street buskers at red lights lack training.

“They need a place and guidance, not just being thrown out. "The government must develop the mindset of street buskers so they can make a positive contribution," he said.

Meanwhile, cultural observer Budi Dalton also touched on the importance of utilizing cultural assets and public facilities for artistic activities.

"I represent friends who are involved in arts and culture, proposing that the parks owned by the Bandung City Government can be utilized," said Budi.

Meanwhile, the Acting Mayor of Bandung, Bambang Tirtoyuliono, confirmed that he would provide wider access to artists and cultural figures.

“The assets owned by the city can be used by artists. "I ask for help to create a joint commitment for the advancement of arts and culture in Bandung," he added.

Bambang postponed the importance of preserving local culture as the city's identity.

“We have to regenerate and maintain culture. "Bandung must become a city that is not only modern but also full of cultural values," he said.

One of the concrete results of this meeting was a plan to record art maestros in Bandung and document their work.

“Maestro data collection and documentation will be the first step. "We need to appreciate and preserve their works," he said.

Bambang said that this event was not the last meeting, but rather the first step for ongoing discussions between the government and artists and cultural figures.

“This meeting will continue. "We will formulate together policy directions that can make Bandung a city that is proud of its culture and arts," concluded Bambang. (Diskominfo Bandung City/Fauziah)