PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, confirmed that the Bandung City Government is committed to reactivating the Buahbatu Car Free Day (CFD) after the process of improving budget management and activity implementation is completed.

According to him, the temporary suspension of CFD was not because the activity was not beneficial, but rather as a step to follow up on the findings of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) regarding budget management.

This was conveyed by Farhan when met after attending the Main Bandung Cheap Bazaar (Bazmut) at Puter Field, Coblong District, Friday (11/9/2026).

Farhan explained that the BPK's findings indicate problems with budget management by the Bandung City Transportation Agency (Dishub). Therefore, the Bandung City Government must reorganize its budget to ensure that future activities comply with regulations and accountability principles.

"I blame the Transportation Agency. According to the Supreme Audit Agency's findings, the agency is to blame. The agency failed to manage its budget effectively, resulting in direct payments to parties who didn't sign contracts or weren't civil servants," Farhan said.

He stated that the temporary suspension of the Buahbatu CFD was solely to improve the management of the event. The city government does not want administrative and budget issues to continue without a clear resolution.

"So we need to reorganize. Until I approve the reorganization, we'll suspend CFDs," he said.

Nevertheless, Farhan admitted that he shares the community's hope that the Buahbatu CFD can be held again soon. He believes the event has provided significant benefits to residents, both as a space for community activities and as a driver of the local economy.

He believes that CFD has become a platform for small business owners, street vendors, communities, and residents who want to exercise and interact in a safe and comfortable public space.

"I also want CFD to be implemented again soon, God willing, because it will really help the people's economy, both in Buahbatu and Dago," he said.

Farhan stated that the CFD not only has a social impact but also generates significant economic activity every weekend. Therefore, the Bandung City Government wants to ensure that the event can resume with a more orderly and transparent system.

In addition to preparing to reactivate existing CFDs, the Bandung City Government is also exploring the possibility of opening new locations for similar activities. One area considered to have significant potential is the Bandung City Square.

According to Farhan, the city center area can become a more lively and pedestrian-friendly public space if managed well.

"While we're still thinking about it, we might open some new locations. I'm thinking about the town square," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)