Cidurian Waterfront, a New Public Space and Selfie Destination in Bandung City

The area which was originally quite slum and crowded with illegal buildings now looks clean, aesthetically pleasing, and can be used as a photo tourism spot for the people of Bandung City.

Based on the observations of Bandung Public Relations, Wednesday, January 5, 2022, a group of children and a number of people were enjoying the atmosphere in this public space.

Rafa (10) and 15 of his friends were seen playing around the Cidurian Waterfront. This group of children are residents who live near the Cidurian River.

They play the traditional game of benjang. While talking, the children, who are students in grades 3 to 5 of elementary school, said that they are currently on semester break.

"I'm on semester break, so I don't go to school. In the morning, I play with my friends here," said Rafa.

These children also seemed happy to enjoy their vacation near the Cidurian River. Of all the children, there are only two who hold a smartphone.

They also use the device to take pictures at the river revitalization building that looks cool or record the game of benjang. Occasionally they enjoy the river area and sing together.

A number of people also seem to enjoy the atmosphere in this area. Puji Rosita (23) and Melinda Ayu Susanti (23) for example.

Both admitted that they had crossed this area and knew the difference between the Cidurian Waterfront before and after it was revitalized.

"Now it's even better. It's neater. And I can sit here, also take selfies," said Puji while taking selfies in the background of the building resembling Dutch architecture.

The weather in this area is relatively hot. However, the area along the river which is planted with trees makes the hot weather around here feel cooler.

However, to really enjoy the atmosphere in this area, the residents can come in the morning or evening so that it is not too hot.

As a reminder, Phase I of Cidurian Arrangement was inaugurated by Plt. Mayor of Bandung, Yana Mulyana, December 27, 2021 ago. The Bandung City Government not only managed this area, but also relocated residents living around the banks of the Cidurian River.

Residents who originally lived on the banks of the river have been assisted by the Bandung City Government to relocate to several places, such as Rusunawa Rancacili and some have moved independently to private homes.

"Thank God, the demolition (of illegal buildings) was carried out by the community themselves. Thanks to socialization and providing understanding to residents, they were able to dismantle independently," said Yana.

Yana also admitted that she was optimistic that the community would protect this public space. He hopes that this arrangement can reduce the number of Open Defecification Free (ODF), and reduce domestic waste.

In phase I, it has been laid out for an area of ​​70 meters and involves the Citarum River Basin Center (BBWS), Sector 22 Citarum Harum, and the surrounding community. This arrangement will be continued until the total reaches 1.3 kilometers. It took 4 months to bring this area in order and 2 months to build it. (ray)**