On this occasion, the Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning (PWK), Universitas Gadjah Mada, invited Dr. Yetty Setiyaningsih, S.P., M.Eng., Head of the Economic, Infrastructure, and Regional Division of Magelang City, as a guest lecturer. She delivered a presentation titled “Understanding Magelang City: Profile and Current Spatial Issues.”
In her presentation, Dr. Yetty highlighted various development dynamics and spatial challenges currently faced by Magelang City. With a relatively small area of approximately 18.56 square kilometers, the city is confronted with limited land availability, which has driven a high rate of land-use conversion. One of the key issues discussed was the threat to urban food security due to declining agricultural productivity. This is further exacerbated by the conversion of Protected Rice Fields (Lahan Sawah yang Dilindungi/LSD), of which around 34.59% have already been transformed into built-up and other land uses.
The lecture also explored demographic and economic trends in the city. Critical issues such as population aging, a high Open Unemployment Rate (TPT), and income inequality were emphasized as key challenges. In the environmental sector, Dr. Yetty underlined the importance of urban Green Open Space (Ruang Terbuka Hijau/RTH), which currently stands at only 17.93% and remains unevenly distributed across districts. To address these limitations, the government promotes collaboration with surrounding buffer regions through the “Gelangmanggung” concept, aiming to transform spatial constraints into new economic opportunities.
The lecture is closely aligned with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It relates to SDG 1 (No Poverty) by addressing income inequality and poverty reduction challenges in urban areas, and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) concerning food security and the protection of agricultural land from conversion. It also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through job creation and strengthening local economic sectors, as well as SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which forms the core discussion on spatial planning, green open space development, public transportation, and settlement management. Furthermore, it contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) through efforts in emissions inventorying and improving urban environmental resilience.
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Author: Jillan Sausan Amira
Editor: Rindi Dwi Cahyati