Gedebage Youthspace, A Second Home for Young People in Bandung

“This is the 10th youthspace officially opened by the Bandung City Government. Hopefully, this place can be a place for young people to actualize themselves,” Yana said.

Yana hoped that young people’s striking energy could result in ideas and notions to accelerate the economic recovery after the pandemic.

“After the Covid-19 pandemic, together, let us accelerate the economic recovery. I trust it to you to be used wisely and preserved. So, it can be beneficial not only for young people, but also people in Gedebage,” he said.

Additionally, the Head of Youth and Sports of Bandung City, Eddy Marwoto, stated that young people in Bandung are creative, innovative, independent, and vigorous to face challenges in the globalization era.

“Now is not the era of Industry 4.0, but we are entering society 5.0. Thus, for young people, please use this youthspace positively, help develop Bandung,” Eddy hoped.

Youthspace was one of the political promises proposed by almarhum the Mayor of Bandung City, Oded M. Danial and Yana. Eddy added that there had been 11 built youthspace to date.

“We are planning to build 11 more youthspace in 2022. Then, in 2023, we will finish the rest, building 8 more youthspace,” he said.

The fact that Rancanumpang was chosen as the 10th construction site was not without reason. The Subdistrict Head of Gedebage, Jaenudin, stated that this youthspace was a form of appreciation and recognition to Rancanumpang as the first region in Bandung who received Open Defecation Free (ODF).

“Furthermore, our karang taruna also successfully innovated a waste disposal machine to produce fertilizer. This machine has also been produced for other cities,” Jaenudin said.

Jaenudin also added that, out of the total population of Gedebage reaching 40.000 people, 46% of them were young people.

“This becomes a demographic bonus for our region. Their potential is high. Hopefully, they could use this youthspace well,” he said.

One of Rancanumpang people who currently holds a position as a member of Commission A in Regional House of Representatives of Bandung City, Asep Sudrajat, highly appreciated this youthspace in Rancanumpang.

He hoped that this youthspace could be a start for innovations of young people in Bandung, particularly in Gedebage.

“Hopefully, this place is not only for iconic purposes, but could also help improve young people in Rancanumpang,” Asep said. (din)**

The Head of Communication and Informatics Agency of Bandung City

Yayan A. Brilyana