The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) officially concluded the series of events commemorating World Habitat Day and World Cities Day with a talk show titled “Better Urban Future: Implementing Smart Cities with Wide-Scale Impact” at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) on Saturday (Oct. 19).
This event highlighted the critical theme of climate change and the role of the younger generation in shaping a better urban future.
Dian Irawati, Director of Settlement and Housing Engineering at the Directorate General of Human Settlements, the Ministry of PUPR, emphasized the ministry’s efforts in organizing various climate-related activities. She noted that the event was a moment for society to commit to preserving the climate for a better future.
“The younger generation plays a vital role in creating better urban environments, achievable through collaboration and active participation from all parties,” she said.
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Muhammad Nur Fajri Alfata, featured experts in urbanization and technology.
One of the speakers, Professor Rini Rachmawati, Head of the Regional Development Studies program at the UGM Master of Geography and Head of the UGM Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies, discussed the importance of linking the smart city concept with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11), focusing on sustainable cities and communities.
Professor Rachmawati explained that while the smart city concept is widely taught in academic settings, its real value lies in how it is implemented in managing cities. She also mentioned her involvement in the UN-HABITAT program, which focuses on creating guidelines for people-centered smart cities.
“The successful implementation of smart cities must be supported by both physical and digital infrastructure, as well as appropriate policies and community participation,” she emphasized.
Professor Rachmawati also highlighted Nusantara Capital’s (IKN) development as a smart city, saying, “IKN is a real example of how we can build a modern and sustainable city. There’s a lot we can learn from IKN regarding urban innovation.”
Pradiptya Setyahadi, founder of Digitama and a researcher at the UGM Center for Digital Society, shared insights on how case studies can foster entrepreneurial spirit and digital transformation among the younger generation.
He stressed that involvement in research and technology projects could be a valuable asset for students seeking future employment.
He also explained his involvement in the government’s digital transformation, especially providing 24-hour access to public information. He reminded attendees of the risks associated with technology, particularly data security.
“Technology can be a double-edged sword. Therefore, we must ensure our data is secure and protected,” Setyahadi added.
Rozali Indra Saputra, Head of the East Kalimantan Public Infrastructure Agency at the Ministry of PUPR, discussed the challenges many countries face in relocating their capital cities. He emphasized that IKN’s vision as a sustainable city benefits not only East Kalimantan but all of Indonesia.
“IKN will become a symbol of national identity and a driver of Indonesia’s economy in the future,” he said.
Hari Pemad, Chair of the Memetri Exhibition, representing the community and artists involved, expressed his delight at the enthusiasm of the exhibition’s visitors, which reached nearly thirty thousand people by the closing day.
“This is an important moment for the younger generation to care for the world. PUPR’s commitment to this event is extraordinary,” he said.
In addition to the talk show, the closing event featured performances by Gamaband, Joharini, and Woro Widowati.
Author: Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: PUPR