Jakarta, 26 February 2026 – The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Housing, Urban Areas, and the Challenges of Sustainable Development,” organized by the Graduate School of Sustainable Development of Universitas Indonesia (SPPB UI) in collaboration with the Emil Salim Institute (ESI). The event was held at the 5th Floor Auditorium of the IASTH Building, UI Salemba Campus, on Thursday (26/2). SPs UGM was represented by Dr. Sudaryatno, M.Si., Head of the Master’s Program in Environmental Science.
(Activity Documentation)
The FGD brought together various stakeholders from ministries, local governments, professional associations, and universities to comprehensively discuss policy directions for housing and urban development from a sustainable development perspective. The forum served as a strategic dialogue platform to ensure that national development agendas remain aligned with environmental protection principles and social welfare objectives.
One of the main topics discussed was entitled “Roadmap Towards the Development and Renovation of 3 Million Housing Units by the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas.” The development and renovation of 3 million housing units constitute a national strategic target aimed at fulfilling the need for adequate housing for the community. However, the forum emphasized the importance of ensuring that quantitative achievements are aligned with environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic resilience principles.
(Activity Documentation)
During the dynamic discussion, several fundamental questions emerged. Why do many housing areas experience flooding and become the first victims during disasters? Participants highlighted the weak integration between housing development and spatial planning, environmental carrying capacity, drainage systems, and watershed management. Land-use conversion and development in disaster-prone areas were identified as crucial issues that require immediate attention.
Another key question concerned the persistence of slum areas in urban regions. Housing backlog, limited access to financing for low-income communities, and the suboptimal development of vertical housing were identified as challenges that must be addressed through innovative and collaborative policies. Furthermore, the discussion examined why spatial planning has not yet fully guided the development of adequate housing. A comprehensive evaluation of spatial planning policies at local, regional, and national levels was considered essential to ensure alignment with housing provision policies and the protection of conservation areas.
Participants also discussed how housing and urban development can integrate the three pillars of sustainable development—economic, social, and environmental—at every stage of planning and implementation. The adoption of green building concepts, energy efficiency, sustainable water management, and the provision of green open spaces were identified as long-term solutions that need to be strengthened within national policies.
Through its participation in this forum, SPs UGM reaffirmed its commitment to actively contributing to evidence-based policymaking grounded in scientific knowledge and multidisciplinary research. This activity also demonstrates the active contribution of academia in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Through synergy among government, universities, and society, national housing development is expected to proceed in an inclusive, disaster-resilient, and environmentally sound manner for the well-being of present and future generations.
Author: Ulyn Nuha