The Making of a Creative City: Bandung and Its Creative Industries Ecosystem

Abstract

This thesis seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the context and internal dynamics of creative industries and their relationship with cities, using the case of Bandung. The principal idea underlying the research is that we need to think longer and harder about creative industries than has so far been the case. We need to reflect on how these industries have grown up and what has been the strategic thinking underpinning their development. In the context of Bandung that means we have to look at factors relating both to the historical and socio-cultural background of the city and to the impact of government policy in recent years. The research employs a mixed methodology. The literature reviewed reflects on what has taken place in other countries, and how we can learn from ideas and theories that have been developed by other writers. In Bandung itself in-depth interviews were conducted with several influential figures: with the entrepreneurs in creative businesses; representatives of the government, those responsible for policies that affect the creative industries, representatives of creative-based communities, and academics. The thesis identifies the principal policies that have helped underpin Bandung’s creative industries development, as well as the key players and people of influence in formulating and implementing these policies. It also describes the ways which the geographical location of the city, its socio-economic development over time, and its significance as a major centre of higher education have all been instrumental to its growth as a hub of creative industries. However, the thesis notes that Bandung’s development has been uneven and that there is still much that the government can do, in particular in the areas indicated in the conclusion.