Bandung.go.id – Kick-Off Urban Futures, Stage for Bandung City's Young Generation to Become Actors in Transforming the Food Security System

For your information, Urban Futures (UF) is a 5 (five) year global program (2023-2027) that combines urban food systems, meaningful youth participation, and climate action. This activity is held in 5 countries: Indonesia, Colombia, Ecuador, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In Indonesia, the Urban Futures program is implemented in the cities of Bandung, West Java, and West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. Each city was chosen for its unique contribution to the Indonesian youth movement and the broader food system in Indonesia.

The kick-off in Bandung City is a collaboration between the Humanis and Social Innovation Foundation, the Bandung City Food Security and Agriculture Service (DKPP), the Bandung City Government, and the implementer RISE Foundation as the lead consortium KOPAJA (Food Coalition and Youth Network).

Assistant for Economy and Development of Bandung City Eric M. Attauriq welcomed this activity positively. According to him, the Bandung City Government reflects on the fact that more than 90 percent of food supplies are brought from outside Bandung City.

"Hopefully this activity will be our effort to realize food independence so as not to depend on other regions," said Eric.

He also explained that the Buruan Sae program is one of the right solutions to present food commodities from the yard. What's more special is that Buruan Sae is integrated with independent waste management efforts through the Kang Pisman program.

"At the regional level of Bandung City, there are Buruan Sae groups. The number of these groups will continue to grow along with the increasing trend of public awareness of the importance of food security," Eric added.

More specifically about Urban Futures, Eric said that this collaboration is not only in the context of supporting food security, but also facilitating access to sustainable, diverse and nutritious food. Moreover, this activity involves young people and is oriented towards the transformation of an inclusive and sustainable food system.

"This is very relevant to the young people of Bandung who have a creative culture and can make this city a creative city," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of DKPP of Bandung City, Gin Gin Ginanjar, is grateful that Bandung City has the opportunity to hold this Urban Futures activity. He said that the realization of this activity is the result of efforts made by the Bandung City Government. One of them is through the Buruan Sae program.

“Today Buruan Sae has inspired cities around the world,” said Gin Gin.

He invited all parties to utilize the next 5 years and get involved in developing a food security system.

On the same occasion, the Executive Director of the Humanist and Social Innovation Foundation, Tunggal Pawestri thanked the Bandung City Government for their collaboration in the Urban Features event. He encouraged the younger generation to become actors in the transformation of food security in the future.

Meanwhile, Bandung City was selected as a collaborator due to a number of achievements and track records of Bandung City Government's activation in efforts to maintain food security. Among others, being involved in the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), and having community-based initiatives involving the younger generation.

"We believe that the food sector is one of the largest industries in Bandung. The city also has a vibrant street food culture," he said.

It should also be noted that the Urban Futures Kick-Off in Bandung City is the last activity in a series of previous Urban Futures program Kick-Off activities. The national-level Kick-Off activity was held in Jakarta on December 18, 2023 and in West Manggarai City on January 24, 2024. (ray)**

Head of Bandung City Communication and Information Service

Yayan A. Brilyana