Infrastructure development cannot rely solely on technological sophistication but requires sensitivity to social and environmental dimensions. Therefore, multidisciplinary collaboration is key to producing holistic solutions.
This issue was raised during the Infrastructure and Construction Innovation Conference and Workshop (ICONIC) 2025, which was held at the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM) on Monday, Apr. 21, 2025.
UGM Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Muhammad Zudhy Irawan stated that collaboration among academics, industry, and government is essential to achieving social and environmental targets in infrastructure development.
“Infrastructure must not only be advanced but also resilient and sustainable,” he emphasized.
Abdul Muis, the Director General of Construction Development at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), remarked that the success of infrastructure development cannot be separated from its ability to adapt to global challenges.
He further stressed the importance of enhancing the capacity of human resources in the construction sector to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies.
“Digital transformation, strengthening sustainability, and risk management capabilities are the three main pillars to accelerate the development of resilient and inclusive infrastructure,” he explained.
UGM Professor of Transportation Danang Parikesit, who served as a panelist in the workshop, highlighted the need for systemic reform in project financing and risk management in Indonesia.
“We need to be bold in making breakthroughs in designing, financing, and monitoring infrastructure projects. Without systemic innovation, we’ll only be chasing quantity, not quality,” Professor Parikesit said.
Alongside Professor Parikesit, several other speakers also contributed, including Abdul Haris Tatang (President Director of PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama), Professor Biemo W. Soemardi (Representative of the Indonesian Association of Project Management Experts (IAMPI)), and former ITB Rector Professor Reini Wirahadikusumah.
They shared best practices in addressing the complexities of infrastructure projects in Indonesia, especially in terms of digital integration and managing social-environmental impacts.
The discussions were dynamic, directly addressing real-world challenges the construction industry faces. Panelists also emphasized the importance of developing flexible regulations that focus on long-term sustainability.
The conference’s international workshop plenary featured panelists from leading global universities such as La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne, the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, and several speakers from UGM.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit the strategic Yogyakarta-Bawen toll road project managed by PT Adhi Karya.
This field visit provided first-hand insights into the application of modern construction technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), geotechnical methods, and risk mitigation strategies in complex terrains.
Attendees were able to engage directly with the project management team regarding on-site decision-making practices, including how to address technical and social challenges.
The activity underscored the importance of evidence-based approaches in civil engineering and construction management education.
The conference will conclude with parallel-group workshops on the second day.
Three classes are being offered, covering project risk management, technology-based monitoring and evaluation, and the development of resilient and inclusive infrastructure.
The workshop is attended by professionals, academics, and postgraduate students and offers Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.
With more than 600 participants joining both online and offline, ICONIC 2025 successfully brought together a wide range of stakeholders to collaboratively explore innovative strategies for the future of infrastructure development in Indonesia.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto