In support of the development of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) as a sustainable smart city, the 2025 Fundamental Research Team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a field survey from 11–16 August 2025. This activity is part of the 2025 Fundamental Research scheme with the theme: “Smart Waste Management Innovation and Systems to Support the Implementation of a Smart City in Nusantara Capital City.”
(Event Documentation)
The research team was led by Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., a faculty member of the Department of Development Geography and Chair of the Regional Development Study Focus in the Master’s Program in Geography at UGM. She was assisted by two principal researchers: Prof. Dr. Eko Haryono, M.Si. (Department of Environmental Geography and Head of the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science at UGM) and Ir. Agus Prasetya, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D. (Department of Chemical Engineering, UGM).
The team also included research assistants from diverse academic backgrounds, namely Master’s students in Geography at UGM specializing in Regional Development Studies: Dias Oktri Raka Setiadi, S.Si., Yunita Salsabila, S.Si., and Gilang Cahya Nusantara; alumni: Amandita ‘Ainur Rohmah, S.Si., M.Sc.; as well as a doctoral student in Environmental Science, Fauzan Hidayat, S.T., M.Si.
(Event Documentation)
The field survey aimed to collect data on existing waste management systems in the IKN area and to identify potential applications of innovative, smart city-based waste management technologies and approaches. The findings are expected to contribute meaningfully to the development of a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly environmental governance system in IKN. The research activities included field observations, interviews with multiple stakeholders, and spatial mapping to support comprehensive analysis.
This research contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by supporting the development of resilient and environmentally friendly cities, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) with a focus on sustainable waste management, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through efforts to reduce the environmental impact of waste management systems, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration in research and implementation. Through this initiative, UGM reaffirms its commitment to supporting national and global sustainable development toward a greener and smarter future.
Author: Ulyn N