PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan inaugurated the Cihanja Green Open Space (RTH) as well as the Cihanja Spring Conservation area in RT 02 RW 10, Ciumbuleuit Village, Cidadap District, Tuesday (18/8/2026).

This is part of the Bandung City Government's efforts to improve the quality of green open spaces, not only in terms of area, but also ecological function, air quality, vegetation cover, and the sustainability of water sources.

Farhan stated that improving the quality of green open space (RTH) is a priority for the Bandung City Government. Green open space development isn't solely measured by land area expansion, but also by the quality and ecological benefits it provides.

"Basically, we see that what needs to be improved is not just the area of green open space, but also its quality. One way to improve the quality of green open space is through the Cihanja Green Open Space," said Farhan.

He explained that the development of the Cihanja RTH will be adjusted to the Indonesian Green Blue Index (IHBI) concept developed by the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development.

This concept, said Farhan, not only takes into account the area of green open space, but also takes into account vegetation cover, air quality, and water quality in the area.

Farhan believes that the Cihanja green open space (RTH) has the potential to meet these indicators. The area covers approximately 6,960 square meters, or nearly 7,000 square meters.

"Because the number of 6,000 meters in Bandung City is already very good," he said.

In addition to the area, the Bandung City Government will also strengthen the vegetation in the area. The presence of well-maintained water sources and the low industrial activity and traffic around the site are considered distinct advantages.

"The water source is still very good. There are no factories here, and traffic is low, so air quality is expected to be much better," he said.

Farhan stated that the sustainability of the Cihanja Green Open Space (RTH) must not end after the inauguration ceremony. He asked the community to play a role in maintaining and managing the area.

He entrusted the management of the area to the Community Empowerment Institute (LPM), Karang Taruna, and other community organizations at the sub-district level so that the open space can be utilized and maintained sustainably.

According to him, community involvement has proven to be able to maintain the sustainability of a number of green spaces in the city of Bandung, such as the confluence area of the Cikapundung and Cikalapa rivers, Leuweung Awi Padaringan, and the Lembur Katumiri area in Babakan Siliwangi.

"With community management, sustainability can be better maintained," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Water Resources and Highways Agency (DSDABM), Rizki Kusrulyadi, said that the arrangement of the Cihanja Green Open Space (RTH) was the result of collaboration across regional agencies and regional elements.

Rizki said the Cihanja green open space area covers approximately 7,960 square meters and requires significant efforts to reforest and maintain the springs.

"Green open spaces are one of the most important aspects of urban planning, especially for managing water, water sources, and providing fresh air," said Rizki.

He explained that the presence of green spaces plays a crucial role in maintaining the region's hydrological balance. The reforestation of Cihanja is expected to reduce erosion and preserve the presence of water springs.

The arrangement of the area was carried out through collaboration between a number of elements, including BPBD, DPKP, DSDABM, regional apparatus, and other related agencies.

Rizki aims for the area to provide ecological benefits as well as serve as an educational space for the community.

A number of supporting facilities have also begun to be prepared, including a security hut to monitor the condition of the area, signage, and a footpath that is still under construction.

In addition to greening, the Cihanja green open space area is also being developed with productive plants. The Bandung City Government received 1,000 coffee tree seedlings from the West Java Provincial Plantation Service.

Other productive plants planted include oranges, durian, sapodilla, longan, candlenut, mango, rambutan, and various other types of green plants.

Overall, there were around 2,503 tree seedlings planted in the area.

He hopes that the Cihanja RTH will not only be a green area, but also a public space that provides direct benefits to the community, maintains environmental quality, and strengthens the conservation function of springs.

"We hope that water will continue to flow, groundwater will remain strong, the air will remain clean, and the environment will remain comfortable," said Rizki.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)