Yogyakarta, July 8, 2025 – The Urban and Regional Planning Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada once again demonstrated its commitment to actively contributing to the field of urban and regional planning. Dr. Ir. Tri Mulyani Sunarharum, S.T., one of the faculty members of the Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning at UGM, shared valuable insights in the Pro Justicia legal talk show with the theme “Harmony of Cultural Preservation and the Right to Space in Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY).” The event was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, broadcast live on TVRI Yogyakarta, and organized by students of the Master of Law and Bachelor of Law Programs, Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The philosophy of “Memayu Hayuning Bawana” serves as the foundation for evaluating the appropriateness and ideality of spatial planning in Yogyakarta from the perspective of harmonizing nature, the environment, and human existence. This philosophy is also represented through the imaginary axis or philosophical axis of Yogyakarta, stretching from Mount Merapi in the north to Parangkusumo Beach in the south.
The discussion highlighted how the synergy between this philosophical balance of spatial planning—established since the era of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I—and today’s practices is being realized. Are citizens’ rights to space adequately fulfilled and acknowledged by the community itself? How aligned is the implementation of current regulations related to spatial planning and development in Yogyakarta.
As one of the keynote speakers, Dr. Tri Mulyani emphasized that as cities and regions grow organically and dynamically, existing plans and directives often deviate due to multiple factors, such as incoming investments, the demand for larger built spaces beyond what has been regulated, and other pressures. The main challenge, therefore, lies in addressing these dynamics to achieve sustainable, equitable, and harmonious spatial planning.
Revisiting and reviewing spatial plans in response to emerging issues and disruptions is a crucial effort to ensure that spatial planning remains responsive and adaptive.
One of the key strategies in addressing these challenges is through organizing participatory, active, and inclusive forums or open discussions involving multiple stakeholders—communities, government, and cultural organizations in particular.
Another equally important strategy is the harmonization of spatial policies and regulations across sectors and authorities, both vertically and horizontally. This alignment is essential to ensure the realization of equitable, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces and environments, harmonizing natural, cultural, and human dimensions without sacrificing one for another.
The talk show also featured a Q&A session. One of the questions addressed to Dr. Tri Mulyani was about what an ideal urban spatial plan for Yogyakarta would look like—one that accommodates current and future needs, while being responsive to urban challenges and issues as they arise.
This event, particularly Dr. Tri Mulyani’s presentation, is strongly related to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Source: https://pwk.archiplan.ugm.ac.id/harmoni-pelestarian-budaya-dan-hak-atas-ruang-di-diy/