PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) warmly welcomed the visit of a group of students and lecturers from Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia, and Northwestern University (NWU) Philippines in the framework of the Student Mobility program at the Bandung City Hall Auditorium, Monday (21/4/2025).
In his remarks, Deputy Mayor of Bandung Erwin said that the younger generation has an important role in national development.
Therefore, students as future leaders must be equipped not only with intellectual intelligence, but also spiritual and emotional qualities.
"Today's students are future leaders, be they entrepreneurs, members of parliament, mayors, governors, or even presidents. Therefore, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional qualities must continue to be honed," said Erwin.
Erwin also explained that the Bandung City Government continues to encourage the involvement of the academic world in transparent, inclusive and participatory governance.
He highlighted the scholarship program for children from underprivileged families as real evidence of the City Government's commitment to education and empowerment of the younger generation.
This Student Mobility Program is seen as a strategic step in strengthening synergy between the government and educational institutions.
In addition to broadening students' insight into the dynamics of regional government, this activity also serves as a forum to explore real collaborations that have a direct impact on society.
Erwin hopes that this meeting will not just be a ceremony, but will produce implementable programs.
"We don't want this to be just a ceremony. There must be clear stages, concrete goals, and the results can be felt by the people of Bandung City," he said.
The presence of delegations from Malaysia and the Philippines was also appreciated as an important step in opening up wider space for international cooperation.
Erwin said that Bandung is ready to become a global city that is open to diversity and cross-country collaboration.
On the same occasion, Unpad FISIP Lecturer Yusa Djuyandi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from the Bandung City Government and hoped that this visit could strengthen cross-cultural understanding and open up opportunities for Bandung to become a city loved not only by its citizens, but also by the global community.
"We hope that this discussion will produce fresh ideas, not only about Bandung's history or tourism, but also how to build this city as a smart and inclusive city," said Yusa.
This activity was also attended by a number of Bandung City Government officials and a delegation of lecturers from each partner university.
This cross-institutional discussion is expected to be the beginning of various ongoing academic and social collaborations in the future.