Study On The Urban Features Characteristics Of Bandung City,Indonesia Based On Cultural Geography

By applying the cultural geography concept and its principles,this study analyzes the features that characterize Bandung city,Indonesia.This study was conducted to understand the existing conditions of the identity elements of Bandung.Based on the current conditions,an analysis of Bandung city features’ problems and challenges is carried out and outlining solutions and suggestions to overcome these problems.This study also explores the opportunities and potentials of cultural geography and its supporting concepts to strengthen Bandung city’s features while maintaining its sustainability.The scope of this study is Bandung city,Indonesia.The methods used in this study include literature research,field investigation,inductive method,and descriptive-qualitative method.Literature research aims to understand the concepts and theories used in this study,including collecting all kinds of information supporting the analysis.Field investigations were carried out by making direct visits to Bandung city to see city identity elements’ existing conditions and communicate with related parties.Inductive and descriptive-qualitative methods aim to support previous methods to produce comprehensive and systematic results.Bandung city features was influenced by historical aspects,geographical and climatic conditions,social aspects,urban development,and regional cultural aspect.Bandung city features consist of architectural buildings,public open spaces,paths(streets),natural landscapes,protected areas,and Bandung city elements’ colors.When viewed from cultural geography and relevant concepts,elements of Bandung’s identity that can be reviewed include heritage buildings,landscape(natural and artificial),regional culture,nonmaterial and material culture.Heritage buildings in Bandung were objects of micro-scale analysis using cultural ecology concept,where buildings were seen based on their adaptation to the natural environment and local socio-cultural aspects visualized in the form of building elements.At the middle level,various landscapes scattered in Bandung city were analyzed using cultural landscape principles and indicators.Also,at the macro-level analysis,the perspective of regional culture and cultural geography explores the cultural aspects of Bandung comprehensively.The cultural geography concepts produced the location of identity elements maps and the classification of important areas in Bandung city.On the cultural geography map of Bandung,it can be seen that each region has its uniqueness,including the areas that lack identity features.The multilevel analysis application is carried out directly in case study analysis in a specific area,namely the Asia-Africa-Braga region as a real example.The problems and challenges faced by Bandung city feature characteristics are uncontrolled land conversion,modernization,and changes in the activities and needs of urban communities.Key elements and characteristics of Bandung city features need to be considered in future development.Future developments will still carry risks for Bandung city features’existence and sustainability,but the potential and solutions will always exist.It is hoped that the study related to the elements and identity of Bandung city can become lessons learned for other cities in Indonesia and the world.Also,the Bandung city government needs to follow the success stories about protection efforts in other countries,such as China.