Welcome to Bandung - Paris of Java
- Micha
- Jul 1, 2018
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 10, 2018
Let me shortly introduce Bandung. This Indonesian city is capital of West Java with more than 2,5 million of people. In the past, the city was developed by Dutch colonials, who influence the shape of the city nowadays. Bandung was developed as a resort city for Dutch plantation owners with luxurious hotels, restaurants, cafes or boutiques and therefore the city was called “Parijs van Java” (The Paris of Java). The city itself is surrounded by volcanic mountains and the temperature is cooler so these natural conditions support plantation of different kinds of vegetation. [1]
Nowadays the city is hub for creative enterprises and initiatives. Bandung hosts many events and supporting the development of the creativity inside of the city. Activities include workshops, conferences, festivals, organisations like Bandung creative city forum, presentations of future development of the city and so on. The most visible main three creative industries include fashion, graphic design and digital media.
The best way how to explore Bandung is through people engaged in creative dynamics of the city. My journey leaded through interviews with different organisations, which impact the shape of the city in various areas.
From interviews:
Gustaff H. Iskandar, Common room “What makes us different in Bandung is that the academic tradition is quite strong – Bandung is a new city, which means that we don’t have any historical or traditional burden. Here people are making new things as a part of the construction of identity. There is the spirit of innovation and creativity.”
Vanessa Letizia, Greenaration foundation “Bandung has a good ecosystem for creativity and creative stuff, the atmosphere is supporting, there are lots of college and students who want to do something. People who once come to Bandung, don’t want to leave this place. There is lots of initiatives, so you can find supportive people. “
Special thanks for photos to Liliana Kekalih. You can find her on Instagram @owheylily
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