Institut Teknologi Bandung

The Head of the Promoter Team, Prof. Ir. Tommy Firman, M.Sc., Ph.D., said that the committee carried out this award through a long process from February until November 2019. "This proposal has passed a very strict and competitive process, assisted by many assessors," he said.

Professor Tommy Firman also explained that Professor Bambang Brodjonegoro deserves the award because he has contributed to Indonesia, which relates to regional economic development. His contributions are expressed in several scientific achievements in various national and international journals.

While serving as Minister of National Development Planning/Chairman of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro conveyed many ideas and discourses. Also, he was actively involved in discussions about the development of the new capital city.

In addition to matters related to regional and city development areas previously mentioned, Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro has also actively contributed in various ways. He was also involved in procuring the Vaksin Merah Putih Project, establishing the SDGs Network at ITB. He initiated the "Financial System Safety Net" to deal with the financial crisis.

Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro was promoted by a team with members as follows:
1. Prof. Indra Djati Sidi, Ph.D. (FTSL - ITB)
2. Prof. Dr. Sudarso Kaderi Wiryono (SBM - ITB)
3. Prof. Dr. Pradono (SAPPK - ITB)

He delivered a scientific oration or speech related to the Liveable Metropolitan Concept as he received the honorary degree. He conveyed that regional development is needed to encourage the growth of the economic size of a region and collectively can affect the growth of the nation. Moreover, he briefly mentioned the phenomenon of urbanization and the real income of the majority of city residents and their comparison with the cost of living.

According to him, the people's low income is related to the city's urban and regional planning. For example, expensive housing prices in urban areas, unaffordable public transportation, or even environmental problems that arise are closely related to urban planning in the area. These things can make the cost of living inversely proportional to real income.

"To solve this problem, we must focus on formulating ways to improve liveability," said Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro. According to Partners of Liveable Communities, Liveability is the idea of ??a city that can increase the quality of life. The development of a metropolitan city is a solution to encourage economic growth, job opportunities and improve people's income.

Prof. Brodjonegoro said that this concept refers to creating an urban area with affordable living costs and whose people have relatively high incomes. To implement the liveable metropolitan idea, he conveyed three main pillars: the availability of inclusive public facilities and services, a competitive economy, and supportive regulations and government.

In his last sentences, Prof. Brodjonegoro emphasized that strengthening the economy and welfare requires cooperation and collaboration from all parties. The researchers must also support research and innovation in realizing a strong economy.

Reporter: Athira Syifa P. S. (Postharvest Technology, 2019)
Translator: Billy Akbar Prabowo