Hadi Tjahjanto, the Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), captivated the audience with a thought-provoking discourse during the 78th-anniversary celebration of the UGM Faculty of Engineering, held on Saturday (Feb. 17).
In his presentation titled “Integration of Land and Spatial Planning to Mitigate Entropy: Embodying the Philosophy of Memayu Hayuning Bawana,” he delved into the cultural aspect concerning the intricate bond between nature and humanity and the symbiosis of indigenous wisdom with global insights.
Additionally, he delineated his ministry’s focal programs, encompassing asset regularization and land redistribution, while spotlighting several success narratives from diverse Indonesian regions.
“There remain numerous challenges in the field awaiting resolution. On the environment and land ownership, all of which are for the betterment of the people,” he remarked.
He explained the escalating demand for land concurrent with the increasing developmental activities, juxtaposed against the static land availability, thereby precipitating a disjunction between supply (space) and demand (humans and their activities).
Entropy, in this context, can usher in an array of adverse consequences, such as environmental degradation, climatic variations, energy shortages, and food insecurities. As the minister underscored, the fusion of land and spatial planning is imperative to confront these entropy predicaments.
“Entropy may be inevitable, but its pace can be moderated through effective land and spatial planning,” Minister Tjahjanto emphasized.
Furthermore, he underscored the pivotal role of engineering sciences in propelling research and innovation forward, envisioned to underpin the realization of a quality, sustainable life.
“Congratulations on the 78th anniversary of the UGM Faculty of Engineering. Remain firmly grounded, aim for the skies, and tirelessly contribute to the nation,” the minister concluded.
Similar aspirations were echoed by the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, who graced the event with her presence. She aspired for the Faculty of Engineering to spearhead efforts in addressing environmental degradation issues stemming from development and technological advancements.
“This is a challenge that confronts us all. We must safeguard the sustainability of life on earth, where the world revolves on its axis, providing the breath of life,” remarked the rector.
78 Years of the Faculty of Engineering
The Saturday commemoration signifies the UGM Faculty of Engineering’s 78-year dedication to national education, tracing back to the migration of academic pioneers from Bandung, then under Allied occupation, to Yogyakarta, clutching the insignia of the Bandung Institute of Technology (STT Bandoeng).
The STT Bandoeng in Yogyakarta was officially inaugurated on Feb. 17, 1946, precisely six months post the proclamation of Indonesia’s independence, and stood as a cornerstone in the lineage of higher education institutions that laid the groundwork for the birth of Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The theme of the 78th anniversary, “Slowing Entropy as a New Paradigm of Engineering Science towards Quality and Sustainable Life,” epitomizes the Faculty of Engineering’s acknowledgment of the imperative to decelerate entropy as a shared paradigm, paving the way for future contributions to global civilization.
“The paradigm of mitigating disorder, also known as entropy slowdown, emerges as a pivotal concept for us to embrace collectively, urging a shift from an anthropocentric development approach towards a cosmocentric one, fostering a harmonious quality of life in tandem with the preservation of the universe,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Selo.
During the anniversary celebration, he presented an overview of achievements in 2023, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from academia, alumni, and partners.
Dean Selo also reiterated the Faculty of Engineering’s steadfast commitment and resilience in confronting the era of technological disruption by championing the understanding and application of the concept of entropy slowdown as a novel paradigm in engineering science.
“We aspire for these strides not only to bolster the reputation of the Faculty of Engineering on the national and international fronts but also to yield tangible positive impacts on society and the environment, addressing future challenges and championing sustainable development,” the dean concluded.
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Firsto