PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) is striving to ensure that every child has the right to education without exception. This effort is not only implemented through government policies but also strengthened through collaboration with the community, one example being the Sabilulungan Learning Center.

This was conveyed by Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan during his remarks at the Sarendeuk Saigel Sabilulungan Rumah Belajar (Learning House) event at the Bandung City Hall on Monday, June 29, 2026. In a warm atmosphere, Farhan engaged in direct dialogue with students who enthusiastically shared their experiences participating in the learning activities.

When asked why they enjoy studying at Sabilulungan Learning House, the children unanimously answered that the teachers are kind, cheerful, and teach in a fun way. For Farhan, this simple answer is proof that a comfortable education can foster a child's enthusiasm for learning.

"When I hear honest answers from children, there's a special joy. Everything we do for them feels so worthwhile," said Farhan.

He also recalled his experience participating in the Inspiration School program several years ago. At that time, professionals from various fields were given the opportunity to teach in elementary schools. However, he said, it was the volunteers who learned a valuable lesson about the depth of dedication a teacher can bring.

"We came with the intention of inspiring them. It turned out we were the ones who received the inspiration. From that, I've grown to understand the incredible struggles teachers go through in educating children," he said.

Farhan noted a similar spirit is present at the Sabilulungan Learning House. He believes the volunteers not only impart knowledge to the children but also teach them about caring, hope, and happiness.

He likened national development to starting with attention to every child.

"If building a house is done brick by brick, then building a nation starts from child to child," he explained.

Farhan also encouraged the students to practice their English skills in front of the students. He believes the children's courage in introducing themselves demonstrates that access to quality education can boost self-confidence.

However, Farhan acknowledged that significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable education in Bandung. In addition to economic issues, a growing number of children are losing access to education due to psychological issues and family circumstances.

He revealed that during his mobile office visits to various sub-districts, he almost always found children who actually had the opportunity to go to school, but chose not to continue their education due to various problems at home.

"Limited access to education isn't just economic. There are also psychological factors and family circumstances that make children reluctant to attend school," he said.

Farhan cited the case of a nine-year-old child who had never received an education. Through collaboration with various parties, the child was ultimately directed to participate in the People's School program as a solution to maintain his right to education.

According to him, the existence of the Sabilulungan Learning House is an important complement to the formal education system because it is able to reach children who need a more flexible approach.

In addition to expanding access to education, Farhan also emphasized the importance of having population administration documents for every child. He requested that all children be ensured with a Child Identity Card (KIA) to enable them to access various government services, including education and social assistance.

Farhan also said that the Bandung City Government continues to maintain three basic services that are development priorities, namely access to education, health services, and population administration.

In the education sector, the Bandung City Government is targeting a continued increase in the average length of schooling for residents to 12 years. Meanwhile, in the health sector, Farhan ensures that no one will be turned away when seeking medical services, regardless of their administrative status.

Farhan also invited all elements of society to continue working together to make Bandung a city that is increasingly child-friendly and comfortable to live in.

He believes there is still a lot of homework to be done, from providing adequate play spaces to strengthening collaboration between the government and the community.

"This kind of collaboration will make Bandung a truly suitable and comfortable city for every child to grow, learn, and achieve their future," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)