The rapid pace of urbanization and the growing challenges of climate change require urban planners to continuously seek innovative approaches, particularly in strengthening environmental resilience and managing water resources. Responding to these challenges, the Department of Architectural Engineering and Planning at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully organized an Academic Workshop titled “Nature-based Solutions: Bringing Theory into Practice” on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Department of Architectural Engineering and Planning. read more

The Urban and Regional Planning Program (PWK) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) recently held a guest lecture exploring both the technical and human aspects of post-disaster management. Featuring Ir. Ashar Saputra, Ph.D., IPM from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UGM, the discussion highlighted the complexity of regional recovery efforts in Sumatra following devastating flood events.

In his presentation, Dr. Ashar emphasized that recovery is not merely about rebuilding what has been damaged, but about implementing the Build Back Better principle. He highlighted real challenges encountered in the field, including logistical constraints, debris removal, and limited access to construction materials in remote areas. One notable aspect discussed was the importance of locality-based approaches, where during emergency situations, flood-drifted wood can be creatively reused to construct environmentally friendly temporary shelters while actively involving disaster survivors in the recovery process. read more

In the first quarter of 2026, the Department of Architecture and Planning Engineering (DTAP), Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially graduated 17 undergraduate students. This cohort consists of 11 graduates from the Architecture Study Program and 6 graduates from the Urban and Regional Planning (URP) Study Program. The February 2026 graduation period marks an important milestone for students who have successfully completed their academic journey.

From the Architecture Study Program, graduates achieved a GPA ranging from 3.10 to 3.70, with an average GPA of 3.42. The highest GPA was earned by Raihan Lazuardi Suyono (Class of 2021), who achieved a GPA of 3.70. The average study duration was 4 years and 11 months, while the fastest completion time was 4 years and 1 month, accomplished by Bening Putri Kasandra. The youngest graduate in this period was Chantal Maheeyaridy, aged 21 years and 10 months. read more

The Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning (PWK), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), reaffirmed its commitment to delivering globally standardized education through the ASIIN re-accreditation site visit held on February 11–12, 2026. The visit was conducted by ASIIN (Akkreditierungsagentur für Studiengänge der Ingenieurwissenschaften, der Informatik, der Naturwissenschaften und der Mathematik), an independent German accreditation agency.

This visit marked an important moment for the study program to reflect on its educational quality and institutional performance. The assessment team consisted of Prof. Dr. Frank Schwartze, Prof. Dr. Detlef Kurth, Dr. Hendricus Andy Simarmata, Aurelia Nadya Utomo, and Tamina Renner, M.A. read more

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. read more

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. read more

The new cohort of the Master of Urban Design Program (Batch 9) conducted the Matriculation Program for Urban Design Studio Preparation from February 2–6, 2026. This activity marked an initial stage in entering the academic process for the even semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. The Salatiga City Center area was selected as the study object for the Urban Design Studio, providing students with the opportunity to directly observe the dynamics of an urban area with its unique characteristics, potentials, and challenges within the context of urban design. read more

On Friday, February 6, 2026, the Master of Urban Design Program organized a public lecture to mark the beginning of the even semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. The event was conducted in a hybrid format, held offline at Lecture Room 1, 3rd Floor, North Wing of DTAP FT UGM, and simultaneously accessible online via Zoom Meeting. Open to the public and alumni, the lecture provided a platform for knowledge exchange and engagement beyond the academic community, fostering a broader discussion on contemporary urban design issues. read more

Warid Zul Ilmi (Warid) is the first student of the research-based master’s program, known as the Master by Research (MBR), at the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MPWK), Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada. He joined MPWK UGM in the Even Semester of the 2023/2024 Academic Year, bringing strong enthusiasm and dedication to research as a means of understanding, interpreting, and responding to various urban development challenges. He succesfully graduated with Cum Laude Honors on January 2026. read more

The Community Service Team – Building Technology Research Group, Architecture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Yogyakarta, in collaboration with the Gedongkiwo Tourism Awareness Group (Kelompok Sadar Wisata/Pokdarwis), conducted a Tourism Planning Program for Gedongkiwo Urban Village, Mantrijeron District, Yogyakarta City in 2025. This activity aimed to encourage the development of community- and culture-based urban tourism through a sustainable spatial planning and architectural approach. read more