Warid Zul Ilmi (Warid) is the first student of the research-based master’s program, known as the Master by Research (MBR), at the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MPWK), Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada. He joined MPWK UGM in the Even Semester of the 2023/2024 Academic Year, bringing strong enthusiasm and dedication to research as a means of understanding, interpreting, and responding to various urban development challenges. He succesfully graduated with Cum Laude Honors on January 2026.
Warid chose the Master by Research program because of its flexibility, which allows students to engage directly in research from the very beginning of their studies. This approach is particularly important to him in addressing the urgency of urban resilience issues in Indonesia’s coastal regions, which form the core focus of his research. His primary study area is Bandar Lampung, a coastal city currently facing significant climate-related challenges. The Master by Research program provides Warid with ample opportunities and time to conduct focused mapping and in-depth analysis, publish his research in scientific literature, and participate in national and international conferences. Through his studies, Warid examines the dynamics of coastal regions to formulate more inclusive and sustainable development models, especially for communities that have long been marginalized in development processes.
“I hope to further develop and publish my undergraduate thesis, which serves as the foundation for my master’s thesis, into a book in the future,” said Warid.
Alongside his academic journey at MURP UGM, Warid is also actively engaged in the fields of research and policy. He currently works as Senior Officer for Policy and Planning at the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI) and is involved in various research activities and policy advocacy efforts at the national level.
Despite the demanding process of completing his final research, Warid actively involved in a wide range of academic activities. He participated in collaborative research projects, scientific writing, and the presentation of research findings at both national and international academic forums. These include international conferences such as CITIES, ICTS IPB, and ISOCARP, as well as research dissemination events like the IRI Fair BRIN. In addition, Warid shared his perspectives and policy recommendations through opinion articles (op-eds) published in national media outlets such as Tempo and CNBC Indonesia. His writings addressed issues related to urban health, unequal development, and coastal development challenges in Indonesia.
Warid Zul Ilmi’s journey—both academically and professionally—represents a compelling example of how the Master by Research program at MPWK UGM provides a platform for students to develop in-depth, relevant, and impactful research. Through the integration of academic study, scientific publication, and policy advocacy, the program fosters the development of planners and researchers who are responsive to contemporary development issues.
Warid Zul Ilmi’s academic and professional journey reflects the commitment to advancing the SDG 11, particularly in fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development, as well as SDG 13 through research addressing the impacts of climate change in coastal areas. Through his focus on coastal resilience and inclusive policy advocacy, Warid’s work demonstrates the vital role of researchers and planners in responding to the challenges of urbanization and climate crisis. His achievements highlight the importance of integrating academic research, policy engagement, and professional practice to support the development of resilient, equitable, and sustainable regions in Indonesia.
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