The purpose of this visit was to establish collaboration and exchange ideas and experiences related to sustainability, particularly focusing on the development of sustainable cities. The main topic of discussion revolved around sustainable city development, both in Indonesia and the United States, with insights from the City of Austin, Texas, presented by Lucia Athens as an excellent example of sustainable city development.

During the meeting, Lucia Athens, who has over 30 years of experience in sustainable city development, shared her knowledge about best practices. She explained multiple sustainable initiatives undertaken by the City of Austin, including their efforts to address air quality and flood-related issues as well as their plans to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the city's sustainability. Lucia Athens also emphasized the importance of utilizing natural infrastructure for rainwater and air quality management.

“Often, the Office of Sustainability is a convener of these collaborations, identifying barriers and trying to train people through the barriers, and then creating plans for the future. I'm just trying to think about it. Yes, the climate plan focuses on five areas: green buildings, transportation and land use, including electric vehicles, energy production, natural systems, and then our products and consumption,” said Lucia.

The sustainability concept implemented by the City of Austin encompasses three main aspects: people and equity (public health, equity, and cultural vitality), planet and environment (environmental conservation), and economy and prosperity (economic well-being and job creation). The City of Austin is committed to balancing these three aspects to establish a sustainable city.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for ITB's representatives to discuss the efforts that have been made to support sustainable development. Prof. Ir. I Gede Wenten, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at ITB, mentioned that various schools and faculties at ITB are prepared to share their experiences and collaborate with government agencies to realize a more sustainable urban system.

Both parties hope that this visit will mark the beginning of a closer collaboration in addressing complex urban challenges and supporting sustainable development in Indonesia and the United States. The discussion also emphasized the potential for collaboration in research, policy development, and sustainable projects in the future, which may involve ITB alumni in particular.

All parties are optimistic that this collaboration will have positive impacts on establishing more sustainable and functional cities. In this context, ITB, as one of the universities, can play an active role in sustainable city development efforts at the national and global levels.

Reporter: Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay (Mathematics, 2021)

Translator: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)

Editor: Vera Citra Utami