Standing on a 5,886-square-meter plot of land, the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM) has commenced the construction of Wisma Seturan with a foundation-laying ceremony held on Friday afternoon (Dec. 19) in Seturan, Sleman. The development is expected to meet the needs of the academic community, particularly by providing decent and affordable housing for newly appointed lecturers.
In addition, the residence is designed as a multifunctional area, featuring commercial shop units for lease and accommodation for international students. The foundation-laying marks an important milestone in optimising faculty assets through collaboration with alumni.
Dean of FT UGM, Professor Selo, explained that the land used for the construction was purchased in the late 1970s using funds collected from FT UGM alumni.
“The money gathered from alumni was used to buy this land, which was indeed intended from the beginning as a residential facility for lecturers,” he said.
To this day, several houses built in the 1980s remain standing in the surrounding area and are still occupied by several lecturers.
According to Professor Selo, the initiative to develop Wisma Seturan was driven by the growing demand for housing among newly recruited lecturers.
Each year, FT UGM appoints around 15 to 25 new lecturers, with 18 recruited this year. While most of them are still single, some are already married after completing their doctoral studies.
“If we can provide housing facilities, it will be extremely helpful,” he emphasised.
Wisma Seturan is also designed with a long-term benefit-oriented area concept. The rear area will serve as residential housing, the central section as open space, and the front area as a commercial zone comprising shop units.
These shop units will be leased to help cover the residence’s operational costs, thereby minimising the financial burden on occupants. This concept allows the residence to function not only as housing, but also as a financially self-sustaining unit.
Beyond serving lecturers, the residence is also planned to accommodate international students in the future.
This aligns with FT UGM’s internationalisation efforts. Selo noted that the construction will be carried out in stages and adjusted to available funding capacity, which currently still relies on alumni support.
“This land was purchased by alumni, and its development will continue to be pursued through collaboration with alumni,” he said.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Salwa