Chairperson of Indonesian Scientists’ International Association (I4), Dr. Nasir Tamara, predicted that in the next 10 years, 80% of Indonesians who live in rural areas will move to towns. Indications have been seen and this is also happening in some major cities in the world such as those in India and China. “This phenomenon is seen in India’s and China’s cities,†said Nasir Tamara on Wednesday (17/3) at Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Main Office.
Nasir who is also an urban affairs observer said that the move particularly took place on Java. In his opinion, the move was caused by globalisation and facilities in towns such as shopping centres, schools and better facilities there. This can become a threat or opportunities. With some knowledge in hand, this can be turned into opportunities,†he added.
Therefore, there should be a structuring of the rural areas. He gave an example of better planning in agriculture and plantation as well as comprehensive utilisation of undeveloped farming lands outside Java. “Don’t develop palm oil plantation only, but please also build factories/automotive industry, for instance, so that they can all be integrated,†explained Nasir, who is also member of the Architectural Association Asia.
Nasir saw that efforts to ask people to go rural are difficult to do. This is caused by the wrong development planning of economic structure that has been done. This made people consumptive and be trapped into poverty. Nasir added that there is still time to rethink urban development policy that involves architects who care about the grassroots level.
In that occasion, Nasir, along with Head of Office of International Affairs of UGM, Dr. Rahmat Sriwijaya, also announced that some 30 domestic and foreign architects joining the Architectural Association (AA) Asia will hold international seminar "Asian Cities in the Future", Thursday (18/3), at UGM Graduate School.