Enhancement of Urban Forest into Healing Forest towards Sustainable Urban Ecosystem

Abstract The city of Bandung was known as the second-most populous city in West Java Province. This dense population contributes to a modern lifestyle, leading to stress. Nature therapy, such as activity in a healing forest, can help to alleviate stress. Babakan Siliwangi Urban Forest (BSUF) in Bandung City offers ecological, social, and cultural services that merit recognition as a healing forest. Therefore, this study evaluated whether BSUF complies with the Indonesian National Standard for Healing Forests requirements. Additionally, it aims to incorporate the healing forest concept into the existing design, thereby transforming the urban forest of BSUF into a healing forest. We used the survey method, questionnaires, and interviews to gather primary data about users’ perceptions of the landscape design of BSUF. This study also conducted observations to assess the physical environment of BSUF compared to Indonesian national standards. We found that the landscape elements of BSUF do not meet the required criteria despite the physical environment being quite suitable. Additional landscape elements and appropriate landscape designs are necessary to improve the physical environment of BSUF and make it a healing forest. Based on the evaluation of the landscape elements and the physical environment, we recommend creating a more comfortable resting place on the forest walk and improving the design of a spring area to be safer and more interesting.