In Bandung, Community Murals Are Helping Youths Find Purpose and Belonging

Why It Matters

The program addresses public-safety and social-cohesion challenges by turning placemaking into a low-cost youth development and crime-prevention tool, potentially reducing delinquency while fostering environmental stewardship. If scaled, similar arts-based interventions could offer practical benefits for urban policy and community resilience.

Summary

In Bandung, community-led mural projects are transforming a crime-prone border neighborhood by using public art to brighten streets and engage local youth. Organizers say the murals give young people a structured, creative outlet—keeping them occupied at night and steering them away from risky behaviors. Each mural doubles as an educational moment, conveying messages about environmental protection and civic care. The initiative aims to cultivate locally rooted creative leaders who contribute to safer, more vibrant communities.

Original Description

In a crime-prone neighbourhood in the city of Bandung, Indonesia, a group of youths is transforming their community through murals and recycled art.

What started as a simple creative space for children has evolved into something much bigger: a platform for mentoring teenagers and inspiring them to take ownership of their neighbourhood.

(Video: CNA/Ridhwan Siregar)

Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub

Visit our website: https://cna.asia

Download our app: https://cna.asia/app

Get our editors' picks of stories via chat apps:

Telegram: https://cna.asia/telegram

WhatsApp: https://cna.asia/whatsapp

Follow us on these platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia

https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia

https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia