Karasa Community's Real-World Impact: Pioneering Inclusive Settlements
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - The School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development at Institut Teknologi Bandung (SAPPD ITB) hosted the second session of a blended-format webinar on Thursday, May 30, 2024. The webinar, titled "Housing Development in the Context of Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Planning," featured Andi Abdulqodir, M.Ds., the initiator of the Karasa Community.
Andi, who is also a designer, highlighted the crucial role of community initiatives in fostering inclusive settlements through his presentation, "Karasa.Bdg: From Community for Society with Creativity."
Established in 2019, the Karasa Community focuses on fostering creativity and empowering local residents through a variety of programs, including mural painting, creative thinking workshops, short film production, festivals, and other social activities.
"Karasa.Bdg believes that creativity can be a powerful tool to address social issues and build more inclusive communities," Andi remarked.
Karasa Community frequently collaborates with local residents to bring their programs to life. One notable initiative is "Karasa.Design: Bedah Warung 2021," which involved redesigning local stalls with an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing approach.
"We actively involve residents in every program we undertake. This collaborative process not only results in creative works but also fosters a sense of ownership and unity among the community members," he explained.
Another significant program, "Karasa.Bdg x Karta RW 02 Gempolsari: Play.GG.Round (Play and Braille Education Facilities)," provides play and braille education facilities for children with special needs. This initiative underscores Karasa Community's commitment to creating inclusive public spaces accessible to all.
Programs like "Festival Merdeka 2019" and "Festival Berjuangg" exemplify how the community can facilitate arts and creativity. These festivals serve as platforms for residents to express themselves, build camaraderie, and nurture a deep appreciation for local culture.
Andi also shared stories of the community service projects carried out by Karasa in Lombok, NTB, and creative thinking workshops held at Geopark Ijen, Banyuwangi. These programs demonstrate the community’s ability to make a tangible difference at both local and regional levels.
"Communities are the frontline in building inclusive societies. The creativity and collective spirit championed by communities can be a driving force in creating fair, comfortable, and sustainable settlements," Andi concluded.
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