The seminar served as a platform for discussion between academics, experts, practitioners, lecturers, students, and academic community to exchange ideas and innovations related to smart and sustainable city development. Additionally, it also played a role as a dissemination process for stakeholders in order to prepare strategies to foster more resilient cities in the future.

The Chairperson of the Seminar, Dr. Melva Eryani Marpaung, S.T., MUM, in her opening remarks emphasized the importance of this forum for strategic officeholders to share ideas and concepts. "This seminar is held to disseminate innovative ideas on future urban development. We are advocating for a sustainable infrastructure approach that can help realize the concept of smart living in the future," she stated.

She expressed hope that through this initiative, cities in Indonesia can evolve into resilient, smart, and sustainable urban areas.

Meanwhile, ITB’s Rector, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., noted that the seminar’s theme is particularly relevant given the rapid pace of urbanization, which brings both challenges and significant opportunities.

"This seminar is designed to explore the concept of smart living in urban environments, covering various aspects from environmental sustainability to infrastructure innovation," she said.

Prof. Reini also highlighted the urgent need for strategic steps to ensure Indonesian cities are equipped to face the challenges of massive urban growth.

According to data from the UN and international research institutions, by 2050, approximately 68% of the global population is projected to live in urban areas. Indonesia is also following this trend, with an estimated 70% of its population, or around 224 million people, expected to reside in cities by 2045. This urban growth will present challenges related to infrastructure, transportation, housing, and environmental sustainability.

"While urban population growth poses substantial challenges, it also presents incredible opportunities for innovation. Therefore, we must prepare to build cities that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable," she added.

ITB is committed to working alongside the central government to promote cross-disciplinary innovation to realize this vision. Technology and multidisciplinary collaboration are seen as the keys to achieving successful smart and sustainable urban development.

This seminar is expected to become the groundwork for the future development of Indonesian cities, with an emphasis on the importance of cross-sector collaboration and sustainability in every aspect of the planning process.

Reporter: Anggun Nindita
Translator: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)
Editor: Kezia Hosana (Chemical Engineering, 2022)