By Aan Budianto (History Lecturer at UIN Raden Intan Lampung)
Bandar Lampung, the capital city of Lampung Province, has a rich history that traces back to its development as a major urban center in southern Sumatra. Originally known as Tanjungkarang-Telukbetung, the city’s history is characterized by its strategic location, economic significance, and cultural diversity.
The area where Bandar Lampung now stands was historically inhabited by indigenous Lampung people, who engaged in trade and agriculture. The name “Tanjungkarang” refers to a cape (tanah lung in Lampung language) and “Telukbetung” refers to a bay (teluk betung).
During the colonial era, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a trading post in the 17th century near present-day Telukbetung, specifically in the Panjang area, which was previously named Oosthaven, or Eastern Harbor in English. This trading post facilitated commerce and attracted migrants from various ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Arabs, and Malays.
In the 19th century, Tanjungkarang-Telukbetung began to grow rapidly due to its strategic importance as a port city along the busy Sunda Strait. The city became a hub for shipping activities, particularly for products such as pepper, coffee, and rubber, which were exported to Europe.
After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, Tanjungkarang-Telukbetung continued to develop as an administrative and economic center. In 1983, the city officially adopted the name “Bandar Lampung,” signifying its role as a port city (Bandar means port or city in Indonesian).
Today, Bandar Lampung is known for its modern infrastructure, educational institutions, and vibrant cultural scene. It serves as a gateway to explore the natural beauty of Lampung Province, including its beaches, volcanoes, and national parks. The city’s history reflects its evolution from a trading post to a bustling urban center, contributing to the dynamic growth and development of southern Sumatra.
The Discourse on the Development of a New City in Bandar Lampung
The development of a New City in the Bandar Lampung area is part of the government’s plan to create a new growth center that is more modern, well-planned, and sustainable. This New City is designed as a solution to various challenges currently faced by Bandar Lampung, such as population growth, traffic congestion, the need for green spaces, and pressure on urban infrastructure.
The postponement of the New City project, which was one of the main programs of Governor Ridho Ficardo, but later halted by Governor Arinal Djunaidi, was based on several key reasons. According to Governor Arinal, these reasons were related to priorities, budget constraints, and the evaluation of the project. Governor Arinal Djunaidi argued that the available funds would be better used to repair existing infrastructure, such as damaged roads, irrigation systems, and educational and healthcare facilities, which still required significant attention.
However, in reality, infrastructure development in Lampung, particularly roads, showed little progress. This eventually prompted the central government to step in and take over the construction of certain road sections in Lampung.
The postponement of the New City development reflects a shift in strategy and priorities under Governor Arinal Djunaidi’s administration. While Governor Ridho Ficardo viewed this project as an opportunity to create a new growth center, Governor Arinal chose to focus on basic infrastructure development and programs that directly benefited the public.
Nevertheless, the idea of a New City in Bandar Lampung still holds potential for realization in the future, provided economic conditions, budget availability, and investor interest align. For now, the provincial government appears to have adopted a more realistic and gradual approach to developing the Lampung region.
The development of the New City in Bandar Lampung has recently been revived under the leadership of the Acting (Pj) Governor of Lampung, Samsudin. This New City area is envisioned as a future center for economic and governmental growth. The development of this area is expected to become a hub for green economic activities.
