BANDUNG, itb.ac.id-Bandung Institute of Technology through the School of Architecture, Planning and Policy Development (SAPPK) held the first Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tuesday (28/9/2021) ) via Zoom meeting to discuss the planning and development of Indonesia’s New State Capital (IKN).
With the theme “Idea Exchange Series of Indonesia New Capital City Planning and Development”, this activity presented Prof. Lawrence Vale (MIT), Prof. Tommy Firman (SAPPK, ITB) and Ibnu Syabri (SAPPK, ITB) as speakers. involving Dr. Chairil Abdini (Bappenas), Ir. Kemal Taruc MBA (Bappenas), Prof. Larry Susskind (MIT), and Prof. Bish Sanyal (MIT) as discussants.
ITB Chancellor, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., gave a speech and opened the FGD series. Furthermore, the Minister of Planning and National Development/Bappenas RI, Dr. Soeharso Monoarfa, as the first keynote speaker , gave an explanation regarding the key issues on new national capital city development .
In his speech, the Chancellor said that the topic in this discussion was a very complex issue so that a series of FGDs could be the right method in discussing issues related to IKN development. In fact, this discussion can produce a solution that can be used as input for the government.
According to him, this forum is a good opportunity to expand the reach of knowledge, networks, and partnerships between ITB and MIT so that the two universities can collaborate in advancing the global community in the academic field.
As one of the best universities in the world, MIT is a reference for education and research for many universities in the world, including ITB. On the other hand, ITB is also developing in improving and preserving the academic atmosphere in order to make ITB one of the most active and innovative academic centers for learning and research. “It is an honor for ITB to be able to work with MIT to realize this collaboration,” he said.
The Chancellor believes that by collaborating with MIT, a more institutional and more effective collaboration will occur between MIT and ITB. The discussion in this FGD, regarding the development of the nation’s capital city, is a big challenge. “The experts here (MIT and ITB) have greatly contributed to solving these complex problems in Indonesia,” he explained. He closed his remarks by congratulating the regional and urban planning department on its 62nd birthday.
Source: Institut Teknologi Bandung