Bandung (pronounced [banˈduŋ]) (Indonesian: Kota Bandung) is the capital of West
Java province in Indonesia, the country's third largest city, and second largest metropolitan area
in Indonesia
with a population of 7.4 million in 2007. Located 768 meters (2,520 ft)
above sea level, approximately 140 km
south eastern of Jakarta, Bandung has cooler temperatures year-round
than most other Indonesian cities.
The city lies on a river basin surrounded by volcanic
mountains. This topography provides a good natural defense system,
which was the primary reason for the Dutch East Indies government's plan to move the colony
capital from Batavia to Bandung.
The Dutch colonials first established tea plantations around the
mountains in the eighteenth century, and a road was constructed to
connect the plantation area to the capital (180 km or 112 miles to the
northwest). The Dutch inhabitants of the city demanded establishment of a
municipality (gemeente), which was granted in 1906, and Bandung
gradually developed itself into a resort city for plantation owners.
Luxurious hotels, restaurants, cafes and European boutiques were opened,
hence the city was nicknamed Parijs van Java (Dutch: "The Paris of
Java").
Since Indonesian
Declaration of Independence in 1945, the city has experienced rapid
development and urbanization, transforming Bandung from idyllic town
into a dense 16,500 people/km2 metropolitan area, a living
space for over 2 million people. Natural resources have been exploited
excessively, particularly by conversion of protected upland area into
highland villas and real estate. Although the city has encountered many
problems (ranging from waste disposal, floods to chaotic traffic system,
etc.), Bandung still attracts immigrants and weekend travelers.
Sumber:
Wikipedia
