PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) is strengthening disaster risk reduction efforts through reforestation and improving community preparedness. One example is the inauguration of the Pasirwangi Green Open Space (RTH) in RW 09, Pasirwangi Village, Ujungberung District, on Sunday (18/10/2026).

The Pasirwangi green open space covers 11,000 square meters and has planted 2,000 trees. Besides being a green open space, this area was developed through collaboration between various parties, including the local government, the community, and universities.

The Head of the Bandung City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Didi Ruswandi, said that disaster risk reduction needs to be the main approach in disaster management efforts.

According to him, mitigation measures must be strengthened so that the impact of the disaster can be reduced.

"Danger cannot be avoided, nor can it be eliminated. What can be reduced is its impact or risk. This can be reduced by reducing vulnerability and increasing capacity," said Didi.

He explained that the development of the Pasirwangi green open space (RTH) was initiated by the Mayor of Bandung last July. The planting of 2,000 trees in the area has been completed, and maintenance is carried out through daily watering.

Meanwhile, Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan reminded the public of the importance of vigilance, especially those living in areas with steep terrain and the potential for landslides.

"Especially for sub-district heads and village heads in Ujungberung and Pasirwangi, with extreme terrain like this, be alert every time it rains. Be even more vigilant before it rains. Ensure residents living on slopes are properly prepared," said Farhan.

Farhan cited the example of several families who had to be evacuated in early January because their homes were perched on cliffs and at risk of collapsing. The evacuation was carried out to prevent loss of life.

According to him, similar vigilance also needs to be observed in other areas (districts) that have the potential for landslides, including Cibiru and Mandalajati.

Mitigation needs to be carried out before a disaster occurs through regional government coordination and community preparedness.

Farhan also highlighted a number of environmental risks that need to be anticipated, ranging from air pollution to the potential for fires in open areas of garbage piles.

He asked the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to coordinate with relevant regional agencies to strengthen mitigation measures, particularly in response to potential extreme weather and disaster risks at waste disposal sites.

Signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the Bandung City Government and BINUS University Bandung

The inauguration of Pasirwangi RTH was also accompanied by the signing of a joint agreement between the Bandung City Government and BINUS University Bandung regarding the implementation of the Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi and human resource development.

Director of BINUS University Bandung, Johan Muliadi Kerta, said that collaboration with local governments is part of the university's contribution to society.

"BINUS doesn't just provide education, but we and the academic community also want to contribute to society and the city of Bandung in general," said Johan.

He hopes that collaboration through the Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi can support human resource development, innovation, and the sustainable development agenda of Bandung City.

"Through this partnership, we hope to contribute more broadly to disaster risk reduction efforts, increase public literacy, develop beneficial technologies, and create a safer, greener, and more sustainable environment for future generations," he said.

Johan added that the collaboration is expected to be the foundation for joint programs that provide real benefits to the community.

Through the development of green open space, increasing community preparedness, and collaborating with universities, the Bandung City Government is encouraging disaster risk reduction through prevention, capacity building, and the involvement of various parties (Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)