The Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning (PWK), Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held a guest lecture focusing on the spatial dynamics of Magelang Regency. The session featured Dhanik Ernawati, S.T., M.Eng., an expert from the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Development Agency (BAPPEDA & LITBANGDA) of Magelang Regency. She delivered a presentation titled “Spatial Planning for Enhancing the Competitiveness of Magelang Regency”.
In her presentation, Ms. Dhanik elaborated on the latest spatial policy direction formalized through Regional Regulation No. 7 of 2024 on the 2024–2044 Spatial Plan (RTRW) of Magelang Regency. Often described as a “water bowl” due to its topographical form, Magelang Regency exhibits diverse spatial potentials. The western and northern mountainous areas are designated for agriculture and nature-based tourism, while the central region serves as a hub for trade and industrial activities. Meanwhile, the eastern areas are identified for C-class mining activities. This spatial framework is designed to support the regency’s vision of being safe, comfortable, religious, competitive, and prosperous.
The discussion became particularly engaging when addressing the discourse on relocating and revitalizing the capital of Magelang Regency. An alternative proposal seeks to align the identity of the administrative center in Mungkid with the globally recognized Borobudur branding. This idea emerges from the relatively stagnant development of Mungkid and the region’s ambition to strengthen its international tourism identity centered on Borobudur Temple. In addition, the lecture also highlighted the anticipated impacts of major infrastructure development such as the Yogyakarta–Bawen Toll Road, which is expected to bring both economic opportunities and new spatial planning challenges for the regency.
The guest lecture is closely aligned with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It relates to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through the optimization of industrial zones, strengthening MSMEs, and developing sustainable tourism to support employment creation. It also corresponds to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) in response to large-scale infrastructure developments such as toll roads and intercity rail networks, as well as efforts to improve equitable infrastructure services. Furthermore, the discussion aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by addressing settlement hierarchy planning, housing feasibility, and the development of strategic regional areas. It also reflects SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through regulated mining resource management, controlled spatial planning for industrial areas, and TPST (integrated waste treatment facility) revitalization. Lastly, it supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by emphasizing the conservation of protected areas, national parks, production forests, and disaster risk mitigation efforts.
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Author: Jillan Sausan Amira
Editor: Rindi Dwi Cahyati