PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, is encouraging the strengthening of cross-sector collaboration in developing the creative ecosystem of Bandung City.

This was conveyed when he was a resource person at the Ruang Riung X Bandung Creative Hub activity with the theme "Our City's Words" at the Bandung Creative Hub, Tuesday (9/12/2025).

Farhan said that Bandung's success as a creative city relies not only on its enormous potential, but also on the ability of all stakeholders to work together.

The government, communities, business actors, academics, and the public are considered to have an equally important role in creating sustainable innovation spaces.

"Bandung has extraordinary creative energy. The government needs to be involved to ensure this energy is channeled through targeted, inclusive collaborations that deliver real impact to the community," said Farhan.

Farhan explained that Bandung's creativity is shaped by its strong higher education ecosystem. He noted that the majority of creative people emerge from major universities such as ITB, Unpad, Unpar, Maranatha University, Unisba, and Unpas.

"Many great ideas emerge from campuses. The government's job is to provide the 'harness,' the net, to accommodate this surge of extraordinary work," he said.

He said that the Bandung City Government is strengthening cooperation with universities and communities such as the Bandung Creative City Network, the Bandung Sustainable Forum, and digital initiatives such as the blockchain-based Carbon Digital Community.

In discussing city branding, Farhan said that city branding is not just a slogan, but a promise and character.

Therefore, Farhan ensured that Bandung City must be a city with a sense of security and comfort, especially for public activities and nighttime activities to support the growth of the creative ecosystem.

The Bandung City Government is currently preparing various efforts, ranging from street lighting, revitalizing security-vulnerable points, to strengthening ATCS and integrated CCTV.

"If Bandung is safe and comfortable, creativity will flourish. Hanging out at night is part of Bandung culture that we must preserve," said Farhan.

He also encouraged the widest possible use of public spaces for creative events. Bandung City Hall, for example, is now open to community activities, from sports to art performances.

The government will act as a facilitator that prepares space, policies, and ecosystems.

"If only one is good, we're just creating stars. Our job is to create an ecosystem," he explained.

He hopes that Bandung will continue to cultivate new talents capable of responding to the challenges of the times and enriching the city's identity.

Bandung's creativity will continue to thrive if supported by adequate security, comfort, infrastructure, and collaboration spaces.

"Bandung is a city with a broad spectrum, from arts and culture to the financial industry. Our job is to ensure that creativity continues to grow," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/rka)