Mayor Farhan: Bandung Besieged by Sanitation Issues

Bandung Mayor, Muhammad Farhan, stated that around 27% of homes in Bandung, West Java, still have inadequate sanitation. The results of the neighbourhood census serve as a new basis for planning the city’s development. Based on data from the past year, the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) has compiled information from 1,597 RW and nearly 10,000 RT, which has now been validated by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Bandung Mayor, Muhammad Farhan, stated that this data serves as an important foundation for the direction of future development in Bandung. However, he admitted that the census results reveal several serious challenges. “Around 27% of homes in Bandung still have inadequate sanitation. From a total of around 800,000 homes, nearly 200,000 of them are still problematic. This condition directly impacts the high cases of diarrhoea and stunting, which are most felt by vulnerable groups, especially women and children,” he explained at the Halal Bihalal event of the Bandung City PKK TP on Wednesday (8/4). Farhan stated that in response to this, Pemkot Bandung has set four priority groups in the Mid-Term Regional Development Plan (RPJMD), namely women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. He is convinced that the role of the PKK Driving Team is very important in reaching these groups. The development approach should not only be technocratic but must also be based on empathy. “Government programmes must not stop at numbers and assistance alone but must truly be meaningful to the community,” he said. According to Farhan, social assistance such as rice and money must be interpreted as more than just nominal values, but as a form of care and hope for the needy community. He also assessed that although PKK is optional in policy, in practice, its presence is an irreplaceable need in supporting the success of government programmes at the grassroots level. “Therefore, Pemkot Bandung continues to strive to advocate for operational support for PKK cadres. Although faced with technical and philosophical challenges because cadres are volunteers, ongoing support is needed so that their role can function optimally,” he explained. Farhan also highlighted the importance of community participation in supporting development, especially in the infrastructure sector. Because physical development will not have maximum impact without community awareness in maintaining the environment. “Roads and pavements can be built well, but if the environment is still dirty, it will still look shabby,” he clarified. To that end, Farhan encouraged PKK to be active in educating the public on waste management, especially sorting at the source at the household level. The limited number of cleaning staff at the RW level does not allow for maximum education without the support of PKK cadres. He also gave high appreciation to the entire Bandung City PKK TP apparatus for their contributions in supporting community development and empowerment. “I convey my thanks to all TP PKK officials from the city level, sub-districts, villages, to cadres at the RW and RT levels who have been actively involved in various community programmes. Without the support and cooperation of all cadres, various transformations and programmes being implemented would not be able to run well,” he clarified. Farhan said that the success of TP PKK is inseparable from the spirit of togetherness, good intentions, and dedication of the officials and cadres in serving the community. He also invited all parties to continue to maintain the values of maintaining relationships, mutual respect, and strengthening gratitude, especially in the Eid al-Fitr momentum. “Halal bihalal is an important moment to strengthen relationships and reinforce joint commitments in building a better Bandung City. The future development challenges are not light. Social dynamics of the community as well as various welfare issues are still a joint concern. Therefore, the importance of the role of TP PKK as a strategic partner of the government in reaching the community to the lowest level while becoming a driver in fostering social care in the environment,” he added.