Friday, August 29, 2025 – In a hybrid format and open to the public via Zoom, the Urban and Regional Planning Program organized its Final Thesis Defense with an external examiner, Dr. Danang Yulisaksono, S.T., M.T., Head of Regional Innovation Research and Control Division, BAPPEDA Yogyakarta City. The defense, which serves as one of the final academic assessments for PWK students, was chaired by Dr. Eng. Ir. Muhammad Sani Roychansyah, S.T., M.Eng., and accompanied by internal examiner Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Wibisono, MUP., M.Sc., Ph.D.
On this occasion, two students from the 2021 cohort presented their research. Olivia Muthia Hanicka Dhiya Ul-Haq was the first presenter at 08.00-10.00 WIB, delivering her work on Protecting the Cultural Heritage Area of Yogyakarta’s Philosophical Axis against Climate Change through a Low Emission Zone Approach. The second session, held at 10.00-12.00 WIB, featured Raissa Ludmila Bagja with her study entitled Yogyakarta’s Readiness as an Eventful City. Both topics reflected deep concern for the challenges and opportunities faced by Yogyakarta. While Olivia focused on strategies to preserve cultural heritage areas amid the threat of climate change, Raissa emphasized the importance of enhancing the city’s competitiveness through event-based urban development. With their distinct perspectives, both students offered fresh insights expected to enrich Yogyakarta’s future development.
The relevance of these studies to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was also evident. Olivia’s research aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by highlighting cultural heritage protection alongside climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, Raissa’s work relates to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11, underlining the potential of Yogyakarta as an eventful city capable of fostering economic growth while strengthening local identity.
The Final Thesis Defense proceeded smoothly in an atmosphere of academic enthusiasm. It is hoped that through research initiatives like these, DTAP UGM will continue to produce graduates who not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to the planning and development of cities in the future.
Reported by Rindi Dwi Cahyati