As part of its sustainable campus initiative, UGM continues to expand the availability of green spaces scattered throughout various parts of the campus. 

The green spaces at UGM are intended as recreational areas and to support the total green area in Sleman Regency. 

According to data from the Sleman Regency Environmental Office, the current green area in the regency is around 8.7 percent, still far from the ideal 30 percent of the total land area.

To emphasize this commitment, UGM plans to add a green space on the former Gama Bookstore building site, which was leveled throughout January 2025.

The Director of Assets at UGM, Dr. Ahmad Sarwadi, revealed that this transformation is part of UGM’s vision to create a more environmentally friendly campus that better supports academic and social activities. 

The addition is expected to provide space for the academic community to rest, socialize, and interact with nature amidst their busy academic schedules.

“The strategic position of this green space prevents rainwater from entering the GIK building and serves as a barrier between Kaliurang Street and GIK. GIK, as a melting pot between the campus and the industrial world, now has a public-friendly green space,” Dr. Sarwadi said on Saturday (Feb. 8).

He explained that the design of this green space would focus on aesthetics and comfort and adhere to sustainability principles. 

Therefore, the planning and construction of the former Gama Bookstore site will consider three key aspects: ecological, hydrological, and social. 

From an ecological perspective, the plants will primarily be local species suited to the local environment. This will enhance the quality of the ecosystem, support the conservation of both flora and fauna and absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“This RTH will also serve as a means of rehabilitating the land from the former building. The right vegetation will improve soil conditions and water quality,” he explained.

Next, from a hydrological perspective, the development of the space will integrate green infrastructure, such as a rainwater absorption system, into the soil as part of the landscaping. This will help reduce the potential for flooding.

Dr. Sarwadi noted that global climate change is causing shifts in weather patterns, making many cities more vulnerable to hydrological issues. Green spaces can serve as one adaptive solution to address these challenges. 

“By increasing the quantity and quality of green spaces in the UGM area, we aim to strengthen our contribution to mitigating the impacts of climate change,” he hoped.

From a social perspective, Dr. Sarwadi explained that the design of this green space would also consider accessibility principles. 

All facilities will be designed to be accessible to all community members, including people with disabilities. He hopes that lush green spaces can provide a place for individuals to rest, take walks, or exercise, reducing stress and improving overall health. 

“I think it is time we commit to creating spaces for everyone,” said Dr. Sarwadi.

The director hopes that the green space on the former Gama Bookstore site will improve the quality of life for the academic community, support environmental conservation, and become an inclusive public space that benefits all members of the community around UGM. 

“Through careful planning and collaboration between various parties, the development of this green space can become a public space for all,” he concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos: UGM Directorate of Assets

Artikel UGM Builds Green Space on Former Gama Bookstore Land pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

During the visit, Minister Fadli Zon was welcomed by UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, CEO of GIK UGM, Dr. Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, and Garin Nugroho, a member of the GIK UGM Advisory Board.

In his speech and presentation, Minister Fadli Zon highlighted GIK UGM’s strategic role in Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy on the global stage. 

He noted that Indonesia has an extraordinary cultural wealth, and hubs like GIK UGM serve as tangible efforts to preserve and introduce Indonesian culture to the world.

“Through cross-sector collaboration, we can create innovative programs with global relevance,” he said on Saturday (Jan. 18) at GIK UGM.

Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of the younger generation in preserving and developing Indonesian culture through GIK UGM. 

“The younger generation is at the forefront of advancing our culture. Don’t be afraid to innovate, but stay true to traditional roots,” the minister advised students.

Vice-Rector Wening Udasmoro expressed her appreciation for the minister’s visit and reaffirmed GIK UGM’s role in strengthening Yogyakarta’s arts and culture ecosystem. 

“UGM is always committed to supporting cultural innovation that can serve as a model for other universities in Indonesia,” she said.

Dr. Dini also had the opportunity to explain GIK’s long-term vision as a creativity center based on local cultural values and technological innovation. 

“GIK UGM is not only a physical space but also a dynamic ecosystem for nurturing creative talents capable of competing nationally and internationally,” she said.

Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos: GIK UGM

Artikel Culture Minister Fadli Zon Visits UGM’s Super Creative Hub GIK pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Kopma UGM provides various goods and services students need and serves as a platform for fostering entrepreneurship and solidarity among students. 

Today, Kopma UGM continues to grow with various innovations and updates to remain relevant to current student needs. One key initiative underway is the plan to open a new outlet, aiming to expand accessibility and improve services for all students on the UGM campus.

Kopma UGM has officially collaborated with the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM) to launch the UGM Shop GIK, which is projected to become GIK’s front face. 

Strategically located in Zone A of GIK, right in front of UGM boulevard, UGM Shop GIK will serve as a central hub for UGM community activities and broader public interactions. 

Secretary of the Directorate of Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, revealed that UGM Shop GIK would introduce a new concept emphasizing collaboration and modernization of Kopma UGM. 

“Collaboration is a key value that we uphold in developing this outlet, where we will involve students, faculties, and private sectors to maximize existing potential, especially in the downstream process of research and creations by UGM’s academic community,” Dr. Suyatna stated on Monday (Jan. 13).

“Historically, Kopma has always been part of the Student Center. The establishment of UGM Shop GIK is part of UGM’s commitment to transforming the Student Cooperative for better growth and development,” Dr. Suyatna continued. 

According to him, this transformation process involves a physical move and governance changes in Kopma by adopting a multi-stakeholder cooperative model and service innovations, such as the benefits or advantages of being a Kopma member.

Dr. Suyatna mentioned that ongoing communication between Kopma, the rectorate, and his directorate, involving Kopma advisors and mentors, has significantly guided this cooperative transformation. 

Moreover, the board has actively participated in ensuring a smooth process and gathering feedback from the cooperative’s members, who are UGM students. 

Following this, several discussions have been held with GIK management, particularly regarding the concept and technical implementation, aligning GIK’s values with those of Kopma UGM. 

“Discussions are still ongoing to oversee the implementation of the current transformation agenda,” he said.

On the new location’s accessibility for students, Dr. Suyatna said there would be no significant issues as UGM Shop GIK will be situated near UGM Boulevard, which Kopma used several years ago. 

Moreover, GIK management has organized several events that have the potential to increase foot traffic. Collaboration with faculties also contributes to maintaining traffic at the new outlet. 

“Collaboration between UGM, GIK, students, and private sectors will be realized, particularly in offering high-quality products, so UGM Shop GIK will strive to provide more premium products,” Dr. Suyatna concluded.

CEO of GIK UGM, Dr. Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, stated that as part of UGM Shop GIK, Kopma has an opportunity to enhance its visibility through an interior design concept that incorporates modern elements and aligns with GIK’s identity. 

With innovative and aesthetically pleasing display facilities, Kopma will appear more attractive, relevant, and competitive in today’s market. 

“This collaboration does not stop at the physical transformation; it opens significant opportunities for Kopma to establish partnerships with various parties. GIK and Kopma plan to develop collaborative programs, from creative ideas and product design to business and marketing strategies,” Dr. Dini said.

According to her, some of the strategic development plans for UGM Shop GIK include co-branding with major Yogyakarta brands such as Dagadu and Starcross to strengthen local identity with global appeal. 

Additionally, cross-market collaborations with popular Intellectual Properties (IP) like the Jogfest Merchandise Project and Music Merch Festival will open new opportunities in the creative market segment. 

Lastly, partnerships with artists aim to explore creative potential, creating unique products that can attract a broader market. Through these initiatives, Kopma and GIK strengthen their business presence and expand innovation networks, create an inclusive creative ecosystem, and boost consumer purchasing power. 

“This synergy is expected to position Kopma more strategically in both campus business and the wider market,” she concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya

Photos: Kopma and GIK UGM

Artikel UGM Shop GIK: Transforming UGM Student Cooperative into Creative and Inclusive Ecosystem pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Recently, UGM’s Directorate of Community Service (DPKM), as the coordinator of the Yogyakarta Regional Center of Expertise (RCE), held a workshop and expo addressing two key issues: quality inclusive education and solutions to waste management problems. 

This series of activities included panel discussions, presentations on RCE Yogyakarta’s 2024 work programs, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and a community expo at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM).

Director of DPKM UGM, Dr. Rustamaji, called on education activists, especially those from the community, to actively participate in advocating for inclusive education. He also addressed the urgent issue of waste in Yogyakarta. 

“We still face challenges in sorting and recycling waste. We must acknowledge this problem and find solutions,” Dr. Rustamaji stated.

Totok Pratopo, Chair of Pemerti Kali Code and senior member of RCE Yogyakarta revealed that government support for waste management in Yogyakarta has been almost nonexistent since the pandemic. 

He mentioned that the government previously supported river cleaning by paying the community, but now all efforts are concentrated in waste depots. He added that rivers have become polluted since the decentralization of waste management as people throw waste into them. 

“When the roadside dumps waste, people report it, and it can be handled quickly. But what if it is dumped in the river? We don’t have CCTV—only four from the government—so we’re overwhelmed,” he explained.

He emphasized that Pemerti Kali Code is currently working to encourage people to care for the environment and love rivers, make the rivers beautiful, open springs, cultivate flowers and bees, create child-friendly villages, and establish the Pemerti Kali Code river school. 

According to him, government support and community initiatives are essential in resolving Yogyakarta’s waste emergency.

On the other hand, Sidik Firmansyah, Chair of TPST Mekarsari in Banyumas, Central Java, shared how Banyumas has been addressing waste issues since 2019. Firmansyah emphasized that government support and community contributions are crucial in solving waste problems. 

“We use two systems for waste collection: through waste collectors and door-to-door. In Banyumas, we also have waste banks, with some people working at the waste banks, and there is also ‘JekNyong’ (Ojek’e Inyong) that collects waste with economic value. TPST manages non-economic waste,” he said.

Inclusive Education

Yogyakarta plays an important role in education. In addition to maintaining quality, sustainability education is a key focus, requiring collaboration to tackle current educational challenges. 

Dr. Suhirman, Head of the Yogyakarta Provincial Office of Education, Youth, and Sports, highlighted a government-initiated lunch program. 

He noted that if the program is to continue, not only the food and its nutritional content but also the daily waste management challenges must be considered. 

“Our challenges in education are very complex,” he remarked.

Dr. Gunawan Zakki, a representative from UNESCO Jakarta, recognized that education for all (inclusive) is one key to educational success. People of all backgrounds, religions, abilities, and differences must receive quality education. 

However, UNESCO faces difficulties due to the lack of verified data on people with disabilities that supports policymaking. 

“We gather this data from research, studies, and assessments, but unfortunately, it’s not fully verified, even though we use it to support government policies,” he explained.

Difapedia’s coordinator, Muhammad Karim Amrulloh, shared that many implementations support the realization of quality education for all. 

For example, UGM and UNY have disability service units. Universities also train lecturers. Non-profit organizations like Difapedia and Desamind regularly conduct training programs to empower people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, S. R. Widyastuti, founder of Sekolah Tumbuh, explained that the school’s extracurricular, co-curricular, and intramural activities are similar to those of other schools. 

However, there are differences in how they integrate these activities to ensure that all children, regardless of their needs, can effectively receive the material. Important adaptations include curriculum and learning environment adjustments. 

Curriculum adaptation involves two aspects: substitution, where Sekolah Tumbuh replaces irrelevant material with content more suited to the student’s abilities, and modification, where they simplify competencies or learning objectives based on assessments. 

“For environmental adaptation, Sekolah Tumbuh pays great attention to inclusive classroom management, appropriate language use, and providing adequate facilities,” she concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

Photographer: DPKM UGM

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM Workshop Highlights Inclusive Education and Waste Management Solutions pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This event highlighted the critical theme of climate change and the role of the younger generation in shaping a better urban future.

Dian Irawati, Director of Settlement and Housing Engineering at the Directorate General of Human Settlements, the Ministry of PUPR, emphasized the ministry’s efforts in organizing various climate-related activities. She noted that the event was a moment for society to commit to preserving the climate for a better future. 

“The younger generation plays a vital role in creating better urban environments, achievable through collaboration and active participation from all parties,” she said.

The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Muhammad Nur Fajri Alfata, featured experts in urbanization and technology. 

One of the speakers, Professor Rini Rachmawati, Head of the Regional Development Studies program at the UGM Master of Geography and Head of the UGM Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, discussed the importance of linking the smart city concept with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11), focusing on sustainable cities and communities.

Professor Rachmawati explained that while the smart city concept is widely taught in academic settings, its real value lies in how it is implemented in managing cities. She also mentioned her involvement in the UN-HABITAT program, which focuses on creating guidelines for people-centered smart cities. 

“The successful implementation of smart cities must be supported by both physical and digital infrastructure, as well as appropriate policies and community participation,” she emphasized.

Professor Rachmawati also highlighted Nusantara Capital’s (IKN) development as a smart city, saying, “IKN is a real example of how we can build a modern and sustainable city. There’s a lot we can learn from IKN regarding urban innovation.”

Pradiptya Setyahadi, founder of Digitama and a researcher at the UGM Center for Digital Society, shared insights on how case studies can foster entrepreneurial spirit and digital transformation among the younger generation. 

He stressed that involvement in research and technology projects could be a valuable asset for students seeking future employment. 

He also explained his involvement in the government’s digital transformation, especially providing 24-hour access to public information. He reminded attendees of the risks associated with technology, particularly data security.

“Technology can be a double-edged sword. Therefore, we must ensure our data is secure and protected,” Setyahadi added.

Rozali Indra Saputra, Head of the East Kalimantan Public Infrastructure Agency at the Ministry of PUPR, discussed the challenges many countries face in relocating their capital cities. He emphasized that IKN’s vision as a sustainable city benefits not only East Kalimantan but all of Indonesia. 

“IKN will become a symbol of national identity and a driver of Indonesia’s economy in the future,” he said.

Hari Pemad, Chair of the Memetri Exhibition, representing the community and artists involved, expressed his delight at the enthusiasm of the exhibition’s visitors, which reached nearly thirty thousand people by the closing day. 

“This is an important moment for the younger generation to care for the world. PUPR’s commitment to this event is extraordinary,” he said.

In addition to the talk show, the closing event featured performances by Gamaband, Joharini, and Woro Widowati.

Author: Lintang

Editor: Gusti Grehenson 

Photo: PUPR

Artikel Memetri Exhibition at GIK UGM Officially Closed pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Professor Bakti Setiawan, professor of urban planning at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conveyed this during a talk show titled “Collaboration in Preserving and Enhancing the Value of Heritage Cities for Sustainable Areas” on Wednesday (Oct. 16) at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM), a side event of the 2024 World Habitat Day series.

According to Professor Setiawan, thousands of informal workers have the right to live. They must be accommodated within the heritage areas while optimizing the city’s sustainability values. 

“Just a reminder, we have a responsibility to accommodate all elements of the urban community,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of optimizing the informal sector because it remains the livelihood base for 70-80 percent of urban residents in Indonesia.

Professor Setiawan provided the example of a heritage city like the Malioboro area in Yogyakarta. He discussed the duality in Malioboro, where formal and informal sectors coexist.

Professor Setiawan reminded the audience that Malioboro comprises not only formal sectors such as shops, hotels, and malls but also the informal sector, which operates outside the government system, like settlements and street vendors.

He believes that, in line with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the New Urban Development Agenda, ensuring that the living environment is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Other speakers in the talk show included the Founder of the Indonesian Architecture Documentation Center (PDA), Arya Abieta; Curator of the Indonesian Architects Association and Co-founder of M Bloc Group, Yacobus Gatot Surarjo; Founder of the Sawahlunto Creative Forum, Syukri Moonchak Sikumbang; and Founder of the Heritage Hero Community, Cindy Shandoval.

Abieta began his presentation by explaining the relationship between global warming and buildings, which now consume 36% of energy and are responsible for 39% of carbon emissions.

This is directly linked to the goal of reducing energy consumption in buildings, including heritage sites, through passive cooling and microclimate.

According to Abieta, the biggest challenge to preserving heritage is not these technical issues but the new owners of these heritage buildings. 

“The challenge to heritage sites comes from new owners because they often lack a historical connection to the buildings.”

He also discussed the benefits of heritage buildings, citing examples from the Dutch colonial era, which were well adapted to the climate through passive cooling and microclimate.

Next, Yacobus Gatot Surarjo discussed “Adaptive Reuse x Placemaking.” Surarjo shared how he was inspired by previously neglected spaces, which he repurposed into functional spaces for different uses—ideas he adapted from various places worldwide to activate M Bloc. 

He also briefly explained how the Block Space, originally abandoned Peruri housing, was transformed into M Bloc Space.

Sikumbang, the Founder of the Sawahlunto Creative Forum, spoke about Sawahlunto, now recognized as a world heritage city. His topic was “Enhancing the Community’s Economy through Creative Solutions Based on Sustainable Economics and Cultural Preservation in Sawahlunto.”

He provided a brief history of Sawahlunto, which initially was a coal mining hub and later became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Sikumbang outlined Sawahlunto’s tangible and intangible heritage potential and introduced the city’s rebranding to “PUSAKOTA” (Sawahlunto Heritage City), aiming to preserve the city’s heritage with the support of all stakeholders.

Sikumbang also elaborated on the challenges and strategies for cultural advancement, which include protection, development, utilization, and fostering based on prior cultural mapping efforts.

The final speaker, Cindy Shandoval, an Archaeology graduate from the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), discussed the role of youth in empowering Siak City, Riau Province, in line with Siak’s current slogan, “Siak ASIK (Nature, History, Innovation, and Collaboration).”

Shandoval explained the shift in Siak’s wealth from a natural resource-based economy centered around oil and gas to a focus on its cultural heritage. 

Her background as an archaeologist helped her discover exciting aspects of artifacts and historical remains in Siak. 

“We founded Heritage Hero to bridge the gap between local communities, academics, and researchers concerning cultural heritage,” she explained.

Shandoval also mapped out the potential of heritage buildings and human resources (HR) in Siak. She says HR’s role is crucial because people will activate their potential. 

“Don’t forget that people are the ones who will drive this potential. The potential is always there, but it depends on whether the people want to engage with it,” she explained.

She created events based on Siak’s heritage potential, which eventually developed into a consortium called the Siak Sustainable Creative Hub. 

This consortium drew the attention of the Siak Regency Government, which further challenged her to activate abandoned buildings and turn them into a creative hub. 

Additionally, Shandoval created a travel package exploring Siak’s culinary heritage potential based on old archives she gathered and heritage buildings that had been activated.

Author: Leony

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Photo: Shutterstock

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Urban Informal Workers Key to Heritage and Sustainability, Says UGM Urban Planning Expert pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This collaboration was by providing financial support for constructing the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center Building (GIK UGM) and renovating the Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis Laboratory at the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM). 

Each contribution amounts to Rp 500 million and is intended to enhance the quality of education, research, and community service.

“Although it may seem small, we genuinely want to contribute to UGM. UGM has significantly influenced our company, allowing us to become a leading company in our field,” stated the President Director of PT Pupuk Kaltim, Budi Wahju Soesilo, on Wednesday (Oct. 15) at the UGM Central Office.

He explained that UGM graduates have contributed substantially to the company’s advancement, with around 163 of the 1,300 employees being UGM alumni. 

Soesilo also expressed appreciation and gratitude for all forms of guidance and support provided in the collaborative activities that have taken place thus far.

Soesilo mentioned that UGM and PT Pupuk Kaltim have collaborated for years at the faculty and university levels. 

Some examples include research, education, community service, and consulting services with FT UGM (2010); collaboration with FEB UGM (2013); assistance with Root Cause Failure Analysis for the Broken Tube Problem at Unit WHB 101-C Plant 2 with FT UGM (2014); admission of undergraduate students for the Pupuk Kaltim Foundation (2015); and several other collaborations. 

“We are highly dependent on UGM, so it is only fitting for us to be present at UGM. We also plan to open a new factory in Fakfak, West Papua,” Soesilo explained.

He hopes this contribution will help UGM enhance its quality as a center for education and development for future generations.

The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed appreciation to Pupuk Kaltim for its contribution to the construction of GIK UGM and the renovation of the FT UGM laboratory. 

“We are very pleased to have collaborated with you, and thank you for the support given to GIK UGM, which is still under construction, as well as to FT UGM,” Professor Emilia stated.

On this occasion, the rector explained the progress of GIK UGM. The building will serve as a center for creativity development and play a crucial role in providing industry training for students.

Through various job fair programs and talent development at GIK UGM, students can gain insights into their future career practices.

Regarding research collaboration, Professor Emilia mentioned that UGM is open to becoming a Research and Development (RnD) center for companies. 

“We can send faculty members and experts to conduct the development research the company wants to pursue. So, whatever PT Pupuk Kaltim wants to develop, the research can be done at UGM,” Professor Emilia explained.

For the rector, the collaboration between higher education institutions and industry must continue to thrive to maximize the competencies of students entering the workforce after graduation.

Author: Tasya 

Editor: Gusti Grehenson 

Photographer: Firsto

Artikel Pupuk Kaltim Supports Funding for GIK UGM Development pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

He also explains that green buildings are used across various regions to support efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainable development goals. 

“We are now committed, along with all regencies and cities, to implement green buildings collectively. All the markets we renovate are also being developed with the green building concept,” said Minister Hadimuljono after attending the 2024 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day Celebration titled “Preserve the Climate, Preserve the Future” at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM), Saturday (Oct. 12).

The Ministry of PUPR collaborates with other ministries and local governments to implement green building concepts in many regions.

On this occasion, Minister Hadimuljono also inaugurated the Functional Settlement Officers Association and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Green Building Implementation with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The other events were the launch of the Roadmap for Green Building Implementation and Development in Indonesia and the Sanitation Youth Declaration. He also participated in a Tree-Planting Action with the Rector and Vice Rector of UGM at the GIK UGM complex.

The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed that UGM supports accelerating the green building program. 

She mentioned that one of UGM’s green buildings is the GIK UGM. This building serves as a super creative hub facility spanning almost 90,000 square meters, intended to sustainably embrace culture, innovation, creativity, technology, and collaboration.

Rector Emilia further explained that GIK UGM was built with green building principles, maximizing natural lighting and air circulation to reduce energy consumption and utilizing eco-friendly rainwater management.

Author: Agung Nugroho

Photographer: Donnie

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel Ministry of PUPR Encourages Local Governments to Implement Green Building Concept pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The final session occurred at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM) on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. 

This competition focused on presenting ideas for designing cities of the future. 

Several UGM students were invited as judges alongside judges from the BTPP of the Ministry of PUPR.

In the semifinal round, the finalists consisted of four high school teams from different provinces: SMA Negeri 2 Jakarta, SMA Kolese De Britto Yogyakarta, SMA Negeri 2 Payakumbuh, and SMA Negeri 4 Denpasar. 

The debate competition aligns with the main themes of World Habitat Day and World Cities Day 2024: “Engaging youth to create a better urban future” and “Youth leading climate and local action for cities.” 

The competition aims to raise awareness and engage youth in urban development, particularly in their cities.

Dian Irawati, Director of BTPP at the Ministry of PUPR, stated that the ministry aims to explore the younger generation’s ideas, concepts, and hopes regarding their future. 

“This initiative not only inspires youth but also serves as a means to broaden the perspectives of the wider community as beneficiaries,” she said.

Rangga Aulia Rahman, a UGM student from the Information Engineering program (2020), served as one of the guest judges for the debate competition. 

He has been involved with the English Debating Society (EDS UGM), now known as the Gadjah Mada Debating Society (GMDS UGM), and has been a debate judge since 2021. 

“I feel honored and excited to represent UGM in this prestigious competition,” he shared during an interview.

Rahman mentioned that the topics presented in this competition perfectly match the event’s spirit, considering the participants are high school students from across Indonesia. 

He was particularly impressed by the abilities of students from various schools, who delivered innovative and intelligent arguments articulated clearly, logically, and structurally.

In the final session, SMA Kolese De Britto Yogyakarta competed against SMA Negeri 2 Payakumbuh. 

The motion addressed the transition to green energy, focusing on the shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources. It required the installation of solar panels as part of a subsidized housing program. 

Topics such as equitable development and policy innovation are crucial in supporting government policies. 

Policy planning can become more inclusive and effective by incorporating community perspectives, especially from the younger generation.

Rahman expressed that the ideas presented by the high school students are commendable and should be considered. 

Their voices reflect the hopes and aspirations of the youth and provide fresh perspectives that can aid the government in formulating more responsive and community-oriented policies. 

Engaging youth in discussions and policy formulation can create a fairer and more sustainable future for all.

Edward Abdurrahman, Director of Housing System and Strategy Implementation at the Ministry of PUPR, also emphasized that the ministry invites the younger generation to express constructive criticism. 

This is an opportunity for them to engage in decision-making and contribute to policy improvement actively. 

“With this approach, we can create a productive dialogue between the government and the community to achieve better common goals,” he stated.

It is hoped that the government will provide greater recognition and opportunities for debaters from across Indonesia in the future. 

Events like this are crucial and should not only be organized by the Ministry of PUPR but also by other ministries. 

“Providing space for diverse perspectives and innovative ideas from the younger generation will greatly contribute to formulating more effective and sustainable policies,” concluded Rahman.

Author: Lintang  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel High School Students Compete in Ideas for Future City Designs pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Ferri Eka Putra, Head of the Building Materials and Structural Engineering Center at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), mentioned several criteria for constructing disaster-resistant homes. 

“This begins with choosing the right materials and structures for the house,” Putra explained during a talk show titled “Safe Homes to Support Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure” held on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM). 

Putra noted that one common type of damage is the collapse of house columns and cracked or fallen walls, often due to construction processes that do not meet safety standards. 

“Typically, buildings collapse because the walls lack support,” he added.

However, a good building is not always robust; it can also be designed to absorb damage and allow occupants to evacuate. 

Therefore, he advises anyone looking to build a home to check its compliance with the guidelines for safe, simple housing outlined in Government Regulation No. 16 of 2021. 

“When building, especially with a budget that is not very flexible, make sure to prioritize function and structure first,” he concluded.

Nanda Ika Dewi Kumalasari from the Housing Provision Implementing Agency (BP2P) Jawa III stated that their role involves the construction of apartment buildings, special housing, self-help housing, infrastructure, facilities, and public utilities, as well as coordinating land provision and housing development. 

In this regard, BP2P offers a Self-Help Housing Clinic (KRS). 

She mentioned that KRS is a knowledge resource for technical services and information about disaster-resistant simple housing.

She indicated that the community can use KRS services to consult on housing construction plans tailored to local conditions and the client’s budget. 

“We will provide house designs and certified construction workers. For consultations, the community need not worry, as BP2P offers KRS services for free,” she explained.

She noted that BP2P has provided almost 1,500 services this year and aims to improve the quality and quantity of services in the future to assist the public in achieving safe and sustainable housing.

Professor Bambang Suhendro, an earthquake and structural engineering expert from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), explained that earthquakes occur due to sudden shifts in tectonic plates with varying strengths.

These shifts or faults release stored energy, causing vibrations.

Faced with the threat of earthquakes to home resilience, Indonesians have historically developed architectural models that are safe from natural disasters like earthquakes based on local wisdom. 

“If we observe, our ancestors had knowledge reflected in the styles of traditional houses in Indonesia, such as Javanese and West Sumatran houses,” he stated.

Professor Suhendro says these types of buildings are designed according to the natural conditions faced by Indonesia’s ancestors. 

For example, some traditional houses in Sulawesi and Sumatra have hollow spaces underneath, designed to protect against waves or floods.

Additionally, the space under these traditional homes can be used for storing crops or tethering livestock. 

“Therefore, we need to learn from the local wisdom embedded in traditional houses to develop ready and resilient homes against natural disasters,” he concluded.

As a point of information, the talk show on earthquake-resistant simple homes is part of the events for World Habitat Day and World Cities Day 2024, organized by the Ministry of PUPR in collaboration with UGM. 

Celebrating World Habitat Day aims to remind everyone that everyone has the right to a decent and sustainable place to live in the future.

Author: Lazuardi  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson  

Post-editor: Lintang

Photographer: Donnie

Artikel Disaster-Resistant Housing: Insights from Experts on Safe Construction in Indonesia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.