Bandung City Council Affirms Support for Strengthening Community Learning Centres to Expand Education Access

Bandung City Council member Andri Rusmana has affirmed his commitment to supporting the strengthening of the role of Community Learning Centres (PKBM) as an important part of the education system in Bandung City. The statement was made by Andri while attending the inauguration of the Regional Board of the Bandung City PKBM Communication Forum for the 2026-2031 period at the Bandung City Pendopo recently. According to Andri, the existence of PKBMs has a strategic role in expanding access to education for the community, especially for citizens who cannot receive education through formal channels. Therefore, the effort to grow and develop PKBMs is not only the responsibility of the government or organisational administrators, but a shared responsibility of all elements of society. “PKBM remains a part of the educational life of Bandung City. The task of growing PKBM is not only the task of the administrators or the government, but the task of all of us to answer the community’s trust,” said Andri. He stressed that every child has the right to a proper education without being hindered by cost issues. According to him, education is a basic right of citizens that must be guaranteed jointly by the government and all stakeholders. Andri admitted he understands the importance of access to education because he personally experienced economic limitations while pursuing his studies. However, the opportunity to receive scholarship assistance helped him complete his studies to a higher level. That experience, he said, became a motivation to continue fighting for learning opportunities for the entire community, especially those from underprivileged families. “There should not be a single child in Bandung City who cannot go to school simply because of cost reasons. If anyone is experiencing difficulties, please contact us,” he said. Andri also appreciated the contribution of PKBMs, which have so far been strategic partners of the government in providing educational services to the community. The presence of PKBMs helps open learning spaces for citizens who have not been reached by formal education. As a people’s representative, he assured that the Bandung City Council will continue to provide support for various PKBM development programmes so they become more advanced, professional, and able to answer the needs of the community. “God willing, we in the legislature are committed to continuing to support and be part of how this PKBM grows bigger and develops in Bandung City,” he said. Andri hopes the inauguration of the FK PKBM Bandung City board for the 2026-2031 period will be a momentum to strengthen synergy between the government, the City Council, and PKBM managers in realising inclusive, equitable, and quality education for the citizens of Bandung City. With strong collaboration, he is optimistic that access to education for the community will be increasingly broad and equitable.