In preparation for the submission period of research and community service proposals at BIMA Kemdiktisaintek 2025, Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat (LPPM) of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri (UNUGIRI) organized a webinar series titled “Ngabuburit BIMA Series.” Held every Monday and Thursday during Ramadan, the series featured various speakers, including Dr. Yani Rahmawati, S.T., M.T., a lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Planning (DTAP), Chief Editor Indonesian Journal of Community Engagement (JPkM UGM), and Managing Editor of the Journal of Community Service, Research, Creativity, Innovation, and Appropriate Technology (Parikesit Journal, UGM), who spoke in Series #5 on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The webinar, conducted online via Zoom, welcomed participants from the general public and academic institutions. Dr. Yani’s first presentation focused on “Writing Scientific Articles for Community Engagement Activities.” She covered the entire writing and publication process, from preparation and crafting key components to strategies for enhancing visibility and publication opportunities. Dr. Yani emphasized that articles should not merely report activities but offer in-depth analysis on community impacts, program sustainability, obstacles, and their alignment with broader national development agendas. This aligns with SDG 4 on Quality Education, which promotes enhanced academic and community capacity to produce impactful knowledge. Ethics and integrity were highlighted as essential in maintaining article quality and safeguarding the dignity of the community involved. A lively Q&A session wrapped up the first presentation.

The second presentation, “Managing SINTA-Accredited Community Engagement Journals,” drew on Dr. Yani’s experience as Chief Editor of UGM’s Jurnal Parikesitl. She shared insights on forming editorial teams, peer review processes, maintaining article quality, and increasing visibility and citations. These strategies are crucial for journal managers aiming to achieve SINTA accreditation, a benchmark for credibility in Indonesia. This discussion supported SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through improved scientific publication management and SDG 17 on Partnerships for Goals by fostering collaboration between academics and institutions for broad societal impact. Dr. Yani also addressed common challenges and solutions in journal management.

Concluding before breaking the fast, the webinar offered participants valuable insights and inspiration to refine their abilities in scientific writing and journal management. By building capacity in these areas, attendees are empowered to contribute impactful knowledge and support scientific advancement in Indonesia. (SDGs 4, 9, 17).

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Master of Urban Design Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada invited Widi Cahya Yudhanta, S.T., M.Sc. as a guest lecturer for the Urban Design Methods course. The lecture was held offline in Lecture Room 1, 3rd Floor, and was mandatory for first-semester students of the even-year 2024 intake. During the session, Widi Cahya introduced the use of Space Syntax in architecture and urban design. Space Syntax is a set of analytical techniques used to study spatial layouts and human activity patterns within buildings and urban areas. In the fields of architecture and urban design, Space Syntax serves as a tool to identify systems, patterns, and spatial structures.

Widi Cahya explained the theoretical foundations of Space Syntax, presented case examples of its application, and provided an introductory demonstration of how to operate Space Syntax software.

The Beginning of the Journey: From Instagram to London
Tsania’s interest in IISMA began in 2021, at the start of her university years. A post she saw on a senior’s Instagram sparked her curiosity, prompting her to explore more through UGM’s OIA social media and various other sources. From the beginning, Tsania had always dreamed of joining a student exchange program. So, she began to seriously attend IISMA info sessions and prepare herself to apply in 2024.

That motivation didn’t come out of nowhere. Since high school, Tsania had been interested in student exchanges because she wanted to experience firsthand what education systems and cultures abroad were like. She believed that cross-cultural experiences would enrich her perspective, both personally and academically. Seeing IISMA as a golden opportunity, she committed herself wholeheartedly to the process.

Thorough Preparation and the Selection Process
Becoming an IISMA awardee is no easy feat. The main requirements include a certain GPA, being in the 4th or 6th semester at the time of application, and having an English Proficiency Test certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL. In addition, applicants must write essays, undergo interviews, and complete various administrative documents.

Tsania chose IELTS to demonstrate her English proficiency. She studied independently using e-books and YouTube videos from the end of 2023, and took the test in January 2024. She also took her essay writing very seriously, going through multiple rounds of proofreading to ensure the content and structure were strong and personal. This process taught her the importance of consistency and perseverance.

Her hard work paid off: Tsania was officially accepted as an awardee and assigned to Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. She couldn’t hide her pride and gratitude when the official announcement came in March 2024.

Exploring London and Campus Life
Queen Mary University of London left a lasting impression on Tsania. With a modern and pedestrian-friendly campus environment, complete facilities, and strong academic and student welfare support, she felt very comfortable. She stayed in campus accommodation with friendly and open international friends.

The city of London itself is equally fascinating. As an architecture student, having the opportunity to observe iconic buildings firsthand was an invaluable experience. London’s multicultural and inclusive atmosphere also made adapting to a new environment much easier. From free-access museums to the city’s dynamic vibe, London offered endless opportunities for exploration.

Moreover, Tsania actively took part in various campus events and cultural activities. All of these experiences enriched her understanding of cultural diversity and global ways of life. She felt that in London, there was always something new to learn every single day.

Learning and Daily Life
At QMUL, Tsania enrolled in four interdisciplinary courses such as Walking the City and London’s Art Histories. Although these were not purely architectural subjects, they still offered relevant insights for her field. She observed how a city’s history, culture, and art shape the urban landscape of London.

Beyond academics, Tsania loved exploring the city, visiting museums (many of which are free), and studying at the university’s 24-hour library. She also adjusted to a different learning style than what she was used to in Indonesia—one that emphasized pre-class readings, active discussions, and essay-based assignments.

At first, the habit of reading extensively and constructing arguments through writing was a challenge. But over time, she adapted and even began to enjoy the process. She also experienced firsthand how site visits to historic locations helped deepen her theoretical understanding from class.

An Unforgettable Moment: Culturise
One of the most memorable experiences for Tsania was participating in Culturise, an event where Indonesian students introduced their culture to international peers. From cooking traditional dishes like martabak and bika ambon to showcasing batik, the event became a fun and proud moment of cultural exchange.

It wasn’t just about showcasing traditions—Tsania and her team also engaged in meaningful dialogue with other participants, discussing both the similarities and differences among their cultures. The warm atmosphere and enthusiasm from students of various countries reinforced her belief that sharing one’s culture is a powerful and meaningful form of diplomacy.

Reflections and Hopes
Although she had to postpone taking her Thematic Studio course and extend her study period due to IISMA, Tsania has no regrets whatsoever. The experience she gained in London was incredibly valuable and opened up new horizons.

In her view, the educational approach in the UK—one that emphasizes independent learning, active discussions, and hands-on field experiences—can serve as an inspiration to improve the quality of education in Indonesia.

In closing, Tsania hopes that more Indonesian students will have the courage to seize similar opportunities. She believes that programs like IISMA are not just about studying abroad, but about shaping individuals to become more open-minded, resilient, and visionary.

Paris and Le Havre, France — From March 5 to 7, 2025, the international conference “The Rise of Asia” took place, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1955 Asian-African Conference and continuing the Bandung Spirit Movement. Day one was held in Paris, followed by sessions in Le Havre for the remaining two days, serving as a crucial forum for developing countries to collaborate on creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable global future.

Since its launch in 2015, The Rise of Asia Conference has consistently emphasized solidarity, cooperation, and decolonization. This year, it reinforced its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the foundation of global development initiatives. A key agenda was the establishment of the University of New Emerging Forces (UNEFO) in Koudougou, Burkina Faso, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDGs 10 and 11 (Reducing Inequality and Building Sustainable Communities). Notably, a student from UGM’s Department of Architecture and Planning (DTAP), Bening Putri Kasandra, contributed to the library design team for UNEFO, incorporating Burkina Faso’s local values and embodying the Asia-Africa spirit.

Prof. Darwis Khudori, a DTAP UGM alumnus from 1976, now a professor at Le Havre Normandie and a key initiator of the Bandung Spirit Movement, shared his insights into Africa-Asia’s role in advancing the SDGs during the conference.

The event also focused on strengthening cooperation among developing countries, highlighting Indonesia’s leadership in the New Emerging Forces movement, and proposing innovative architectural and urban solutions rooted in local wisdom and aligned with SDGs principles—such as addressing climate change (SDG 13) and tackling inequality (SDG 10). This conference offered not only a reflection on historical milestones but also a platform for actionable steps toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future guided by the SDGs vision.

Lecturers of the Master of Urban Design Program, Ir. Ikaputra, M.Eng., Ph.D., and Dr. Dyah Titisari Widyastuti, S.T., MUDD, have published a scholarly article titled “Marginalized Modern Architectural Heritage in Indonesia: The Case of Transformator Huisje (Electric Substation) Architecture of the Nederlandsche Indisch Era.” The article was published by Elsevier in the journal Frontiers of Architectural Research, Volume 14, Issue 3, June 2025, on pages 596–613.

This article presents research on transformator huisje (electric substations) as part of the history of modern architecture in Indonesia. The study explores the historical background of these structures with the aim of uncovering whether transformator huisje architecture can be classified as Modern Heritage.

Abstrak:
This study is in order to implement the mandate of UNESCO (2003) on the documentation of architectural heritage of the modern period of the 19th-20th century, where in reality several typologies of architectural heritage are currently in a marginalized condition. As part of the history of modern architecture in Indonesia, transformator huisje (Dutch) or “gardu listrik” (Indonesian) which still exist today, are not widely known as buildings that have important values in the past. This study aims to reveal whether transformator huisje architecture is classified as Modern Heritage, by tracing its historical background. Architectural analysis of 61 transformator huisje was conducted to build a “genesis”—a scheme of origin—of transformator huisje which can explain how this type of architecture was formed in accordance with the values or principles of modern architecture. The study findings show that all design features of transformator huisje as buildings for machines are strong representations of Modern Architectural Heritage in Asia, especially the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). In conclusion, with the finding that transformator huisje is categorized as Modern Architectural Heritage, a strategy is needed to maintain this type of architecture as evidence of modern civilization in Indonesia.

Official URL:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2024.10.005

Yogyakarta – The First Committee of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) held a working meeting as part of its recess agenda for Session III of the 2024–2025 Legislative Year. The meeting, conducted on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the DPD RI Regional Office in Yogyakarta, aimed to gather insights and conduct a review of the implementation of Law No. 26 of 2007 on Spatial Planning.

Prof. Bakti Setiawan (Prof Bobi) from the Department of Architecture and Planning, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was invited as one of the key resource persons. His presence was requested directly by Committee I member, Her Highness Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas, to provide academic insights regarding spatial planning developments in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, particularly in the context of Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation, which amended several provisions of the Spatial Planning Law.

The meeting aimed to gather information on the implementation of spatial planning policies at the regional level, identify the social, economic, and environmental impacts of regulatory changes, and examine the distribution of authority between the central and regional governments. In addition to expert presentations, the event featured an interactive dialogue session with representatives from local government agencies.

The outcomes of the session will be compiled into an official report by Committee I of DPD RI, summarizing evaluations of spatial planning practices, documenting public input, and formulating policy recommendations to be conveyed to the national government.

This recess activity is expected to serve as a platform for DPD RI to better understand policy developments related to spatial planning in Yogyakarta—especially efforts to upgrade slum areas into livable environments and to address environmental degradation. The findings will serve as a foundation for more inclusive and sustainable urban development policies in Indonesia.

Yogyakarta, April 9, 2025 — The Master’s Program in Urban and Regional Planning (MPWK) at Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted an interview with a prospective student from Timor-Leste as part of the 2025/2026 academic year student admission process. The interview was carried out by the Head of the MPWK Program, Dr.Eng. Muhammad Sani Roychansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IAP, representing the program in selecting international candidates for the Special Scholarship for Postgraduate Students.

This interview served as a key step in the scholarship selection process, which is the result of a collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture of Timor-Leste, initiated in November 2024. The program aims to provide opportunities for outstanding Timorese students to pursue graduate studies at UGM.

As a university that upholds the principles of inclusivity and is committed to advancing international cooperation, UGM welcomes students from various countries, including Timor-Leste. The interview is an integral part of the selection process, evaluating not only the academic readiness of the candidates but also their motivation and alignment with the intended study program.

Source: https://mpwk.ugm.ac.id/2025/04/09/mpwk-ugm-lakukan-wawancara-calon-mahasiswa-pascasarjana-timor-leste/

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995 marked a turning point for Kobe City, transforming it into a center for expertise in safety management, particularly in disaster prevention and mitigation. Over the years, Kobe has become a hub for national and international organizations, institutions, researchers, and academics seeking to learn from the advanced safety management systems developed in response to the disaster.

As part of the Asian Cooperative Program (ACP), Kansai University of International Studies (KUISs) in Kobe, Japan, hosted an activity titled “The Japanese Safety Management and Japanese Culture.” This program ran from February 6 to 17, 2025, bringing together students from various ACP member universities, including Bramertha Salsabella Roseli (Mertha), a student from the Department of Architecture and Planning. The initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as quality education (SDG 4), innovation in infrastructure (SDG 9), and fostering global partnerships (SDG 17).

Participants were guided by distinguished academics, including Dr. Aiko Sakurai, Dr. Mizan B F. Bisri, and Dr. Yoshitsubaki. They gained invaluable hands-on experience in understanding Kobe’s disaster mitigation and safety management systems. The program also served as a benchmark for developing effective disaster management systems based on real-world practices. Moreover, attendees explored the integration of Japanese cultural values into safety management practices, enriching their perspectives. Mertha highlighted that the knowledge and experiences she acquired during the program would be instrumental in adapting effective disaster mitigation strategies for Indonesia, a country equally vulnerable to earthquakes. This aligns with additional SDGs, such as sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), climate action (SDG 13), and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).

With its emphasis on innovative education and experiential learning, the program is expected to deliver lasting benefits to its participants while strengthening international collaboration in the pursuit of a safer and more sustainable future.

On February 22–23, 2025, eight students from the 2024 cohort of the Tourism Architecture Concentration, Master’s Program in Architecture, DTAP UGM, visited Samarang Station, Kampung Spoorland, East Semarang, for a field study. This activity was accompanied by Ir. Ikaputra, M.Eng., Ph.D. (lecturer at DTAP UGM) and was part of the learning process for the Tourism Architecture Studio 1 course. For the students taking this course, the visit to Samarang Station aimed to: (1) enhance academic insight in the field of architectural research, particularly in tourism architecture; (2) understand the current condition of the Samarang Station area in terms of nature, physical environment, architecture, and local society; and (3) directly practice theoretical studies of tourism architecture in the Samarang Station area. From the field observation and literature review activities related to Samarang Station, the students obtained various visual and textual data. These data will then be processed in the Tourism Architecture Studio 1 course for the development of a heritage architecture concept of Samarang Station as a tourist destination

Source: https://mars.ft.ugm.ac.id/2025/04/09/belajar-arsitektur-pariwisata-di-stasiun-samarang-kampung-spoorland