PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - As dawn begins to break, Nurlaelasari is ready with a broom in hand. This woman from Cibeunying is one of the cleaning officers of Bandung City who goes out into the streets every day, ensuring the city remains clean and comfortable.

He has been serving as a street sweeper under the Environmental Service (DLH) for six years. His routine starts from a predetermined work point.

Without saying much, he immediately swung his broom, sweeping away the dry leaves and rubbish scattered on the sidewalk.

"When a lot of leaves fall, it can take up to five hours to sweep," he said (2/4/2025).

But it wasn't just tiredness that he felt. There was pride in every swing of his broom.

"If Bandung is clean, it feels good. It makes you feel at home," he added with a smile.

However, behind his noble work, there are great sacrifices that he must make, especially during Eid al-Fitr.

This year, he was lucky to get the first day off, but in previous years, he had to stay on duty on Eid day.

"There is emotion, there is sadness. It's takbiran night, people are gathering with their families, I'm on the road. But thank God, there are friends who are also here, so there is still togetherness," he said.

Not only Nurlaelasari, Haji Sapar, a cleaner from the Taktiss team, also shared a similar story. For four years he swept the streets, guarding the cleanliness of the city with all his heart.

"Sometimes there are people who litter, I reprimand them. But some listen, some are indifferent. If there are people who appreciate our work, it feels good. At least, there are people who realize how important cleanliness is," he said.

Behind his work, Haji Sapar also has to go through difficult moments. Every takbiran night, when takbir is heard throughout the city, he remains on the streets, cleaning up the remains of the celebration.

"I worked on the night of Takbiran, and I was still working on the morning of Eid. I went home for a while, then continued my shift again," he said.

For his family, this has become a common thing, although there is still a sense of sadness because they cannot gather fully on a special day. However, the noble task of maintaining the cleanliness of the city of Bandung is his motivation.

Adi, a janitor from Dago, also has a story of struggle that is no less inspiring. From GOR Citra to Widyatama, he guards every corner of the street with full dedication.

"Every day you have to be ready with a broom and dustpan, cleaning the designated area. If it's the dry season and lots of leaves fall, the work becomes harder," he explained.

Even so, he still does it with enthusiasm. "The good thing is, being able to make Bandung clean. The bad thing is, on Eid day people gather with their families, I still work. But, this is a noble task," he said proudly.

He remembers receiving appreciation from residents who passed by and gave him just a thank you or a snack. "Small things like that are enough to warm my heart," he added.

All three agreed that maintaining the cleanliness of the city is not only the task of the cleaning staff, but a shared responsibility.

"Bandung residents, let's take care of our city. Don't litter, appreciate our efforts," they said.

While most people enjoy the moment of togetherness on the holidays, they still carry out their duties, keeping the city of Bandung clean and comfortable. (Diskominfo Kota Bandung/Fauziah)