PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) continues to promote the development of sustainable, community-based tourism destinations. One such initiative is the activation of the Padaringan Leuweung Awi Cisurupan in the Bukit Mbah Garut area, Cisurupan Village, Cibiru District.

This new tourist area was inaugurated directly by the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, Sunday (2/8/2026).

The activation of these destinations is the first step in strengthening the potential of natural, cultural, religious, and creative economy tourism, which is managed directly by the community through Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis).

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said that the existence of Padaringan Leuweung Awi Cisurupan is a real example of collaboration between the government and the community in protecting the environment while developing local economic potential.

"This is a community effort. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to protect every tree and preserve this area. Trees keep Bandung cool, protect water sources, and are a sought-after tourist attraction," said Farhan.

According to him, the area is not only being developed as a tourist destination, but also as an educational space regarding the importance of living in harmony with nature.

"The Leuweung Awi Cisurupan Nature Reserve is not just a tourist attraction. It's a learning space that teaches us that humans are part of nature. Therefore, environmental preservation must become a part of the community's culture," he said.

Farhan also appreciated the involvement of Pokdarwis, artists, MSMEs, regional officials, and the community who worked together to revitalize the area.

He hopes that this area can become a natural conservation point as well as a leading tourist destination in the city of Bandung that is managed sustainably.

"I'm proud to see the enthusiasm of the Cisurupan residents. Our collective responsibility now is to ensure this area continues to be sustainable and developed so that the community can benefit from it," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Culture and Tourism Office, Adi Junjunan Mustafa, explained that the activation of Padaringan Leuweung Awi Cisurupan is part of the development of community-based tourist attractions (DTW).

According to him, sustainable tourism destinations must be built through collaboration between the government, society, communities, academics, and business actors.

"Pokdarwis (Tourism Groups) are a key force in identifying and developing tourism potential within communities. The government then strengthens them into sustainable destinations, thereby providing economic benefits to local residents," said Adi.

He believes that the area has various potentials that can be further developed, ranging from natural tourism, religious tourism, traditional culinary delights, arts and culture to health tourism opportunities (wellness tourism).

On the same occasion, the Head of the Cisurupan Tourism Awareness Group, Ari Irawan, said that Padaringan Leuweung Awi Cisurupan carries the concept of a nature-based traditional market by presenting around 20 local MSMEs, cultural arts performances, and a transaction system using wooden coins as a symbol of preserving ancient culture.

According to him, the initial activation that was previously tested has had a positive impact on the community's economic turnover.

"We hope that the Padaringan Leuweung Awi Cisurupan can continue to be consistently held twice a month, while also becoming a space for empowering MSMEs, preserving culture, and strengthening community-based tourism," he said.

Besides enjoying traditional Sundanese cuisine, visitors can also enjoy art performances, the natural atmosphere of the bamboo forest, and visit the Mbah Garut religious site in the area.

The inauguration was marked by the striking of a gong by the Mayor of Bandung as a symbol of the start of the activation of Padaringan Leuweung Awi Cisurupan as a new tourist destination based on nature conservation, culture, and community empowerment.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)