Bandung Never Truly Rests, From Pavements to Digital Screens
Some cities change due to the construction of high-rise buildings. Others experience change through smaller details: dismantled pavements, replanted trees, terminals changing functions, or public spaces gradually acquiring a new identity.
Bandung is a city worth observing from this perspective. The city never seems to truly rest. Mornings are filled with the activities of residents commuting to work and school. Midday brings the bustle of trade and offices. Towards the evening, numerous roads begin to fill with vehicles and people looking to spend their leisure time.
At night, the face of Bandung changes once again. Cafes, culinary centres, creative spaces, parks, and various gathering spots become part of the city’s life. Amidst this rhythm, another change is actually underway: the way the people of Bandung interact with technology.
When Pavements Tell a Story
One piece of news that has drawn attention in recent days is the adjustment of pavements in the Gasibu area. Pavements deemed too high are being dismantled to adjust the elevation and facilitate easier pedestrian access to zebra crossings. The West Java Provincial Government has also closed the Gasibu area for renovations until early 2027.
To some, discussing pavements might sound like a very mundane issue. However, for a city, pavements are a vital part of the citizens’ experience. Pedestrians need safe paths. The elderly require easier access. People with disabilities need facilities that do not present obstacles. Even motorists ultimately need good pavements because city traffic does not consist solely of cars and motorcycles.
These are the types of details that are often overlooked when discussing urban development. A comfortable city is not always determined by magnificent buildings. Sometimes, the measure is as simple as: can someone walk without feeling worried?
Bandung is Changing the Way it Moves
Change is also visible in the Bandung Raya public transport projects. Several kiosks in the Antapatic Terminal are being dismantled as part of the development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) facilities. Meanwhile, the Cicaheum Terminal is undergoing functional changes to support the construction of a BRT depot.
These changes certainly bring consequences for the community that has long been active in those areas. For traders, a terminal is not merely a place where vehicles arrive and depart. There is an income that depends on the presence of passengers. There are customers who have been known for years. There are also routines that have formed gradually.
Therefore, public transport development should not be read solely as infrastructure development. There is human life that moves along with it. This is where the challenge of urban development becomes more complex. The government needs a better transport system, while the community needs the certainty that change will not cause them to lose their livelihoods. Bandung is searching for a middle ground between the two.
Trees, Roads, and Resident Memories
Another story comes from Jalan LLRE Martadinata, also known as Jalan Riau. Ten mahogany trees have been replanted after unauthorised felling occurred previously. These trees, measuring approximately five to six metres in height, will receive care to ensure their growth.
For motorists passing by, the sight may only last a few seconds. However, urban trees serve a function much longer than the time it takes for someone to pass them. Trees provide shade. They become part of the street’s character. Over many years, trees can even become landmarks of an area. Bandung itself has many roads known not just for their buildings, but for the atmosphere created by their trees. Therefore, replanting is not just a matter of replacing lost trees; it is an effort to restore the character of a space.
From Bandung’s Streets to Digital Spaces
Interestingly, Bandung’s transformation is not only visible physically. Another change is occurring much faster and perhaps invisibly. The way society follows events, seminars, discussions, matches, or community activities is becoming increasingly diverse.
Previously, an event usually had a simple boundary: whoever attended the location could witness it. Now, that boundary is blurring. Someone can be in Bandung while another person follows the same activity from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, or even abroad. The development of live streaming technology has helped drive this change. The term ‘Bandung live streaming services’, for example, now appears in a much broader context than just broadcasting an event.
Live broadcasting has become part of how an activity communicates with the public. A university discussion can be watched by students from other regions. Community seminars can be attended by participants located in other cities. Cultural events can reach audiences who previously could not attend in person. Technology has ultimately provided a space with more ‘doors’.
Events No Longer Need to Be in a Single Room
This change is increasingly felt through the concept of hybrid activities. In a single event, some participants attend in person, while others join via the internet. Models such as multi-camera hybrid Zoom live streaming illustrate how event production technology is evolving. Multiple camera angles can be used to present the speaker, moderator, room atmosphere, and presentation materials to online participants. At first glance, this looks like a technical issue. However, the impact is actually…