The inauguration of Lembur Katumbiri on Tuesday (6/5/2025) by Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan. (dok/jabarprov.go.id)

In an interview at his private gallery, John Martono, also known as Captain John, shared that Lembur Katumbiri was the realization of a long-held vision after an extensive process.

“The story began in 2018 when I was painting a shirt by the riverside. Then, the idea of creating a ‘colorful village’ emerged, and I redesigned it digitally. Now, it has finally come to life,” he said.

Whenever he traveled and encountered interesting spaces or buildings, he would create digital or manual color simulations to refine his imagination. One of these ideas eventually materialized into the mural project.

Unlike conventional murals, Captain John explained that this work functions as a cohesive painting, with interconnected designs spanning multiple houses. He emphasized that his artistic approach does not follow a “one-house-one-color” pattern. Instead, each surface features intricate details that blend harmoniously into a larger visual composition.

Captain John noted that Lembur Katumbiri was made possible through collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Bandung City Government and the local community.

“The mural took 17 days to complete, involving around 200 workers from different community groups. This collaboration proves that art can thrive through collective effort and local support in creating an inspiring thematic space,” he said.

The paintings in Lembur Katumbiri carry educational themes relevant to daily life. One example is the depiction of fried eggs and chickens, symbolizing the importance of affordable nutrition.

“These nutritional values are inexpensive and accessible to all levels of society,” said Captain John, stressing his hope that art can also serve as a medium for promoting health awareness across all societal groups.

With Lembur Katumbiri, the artwork is expected not only to enhance the area’s aesthetics but also to generate a multiplier effect for the local community—socially, economically, and culturally. Captain John also urged visitors to help maintain the cleanliness and sustainability of the surroundings so the area can remain an inclusive, inspiring, and pride-worthy thematic tourism space for Bandung.

Reporter: Indira Akmalia Hendri (Regional and Urban Planning, 2021)
Translator: Dina Avanza Mardiana (Microbiology, 2022)