To commemorate World Habitat Day and World Cities Day 2024, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), through the Directorate of Settlement and Housing Engineering (BTPP), in collaboration with UGM, organized a Debate Competition for high schools.
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