Jakarta (malangkota.go.id) – The inevitable urbanization has the consequence of decreasing rural areas. As conveyed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. (R) Dr. Ir. Anita Firmanti Eko Susetyowati, MT, to date the number of urban residents is more than 160 million people or 53 percent of the total population in Indonesia.
"This illustrates that the largest composition is in urban areas, and that is the impact of urbanization. It contains problems of settlements, garbage, slums, access to clean water and sanitation," explained Anita.
To overcome this problem, it is impossible for the government to solve it alone, it requires support and involvement from universities, the private sector, non-governmental Organisation, and other elements.
Anita added that building and organizing settlements and urban environments requires innovation and the involvement of many parties, including potential groups of creative young people who care about the environment.
This was conveyed during a series of World Habitat Day and World City Day commemorations held in the courtyard of the PUPR Ministry office complex in Jakarta, Monday (6/11). The series of events were marked by statements and signing of commitments to build a Livable City from 27 mayors/regents, one of whom was the Mayor of Malang, H. Moch. Anton.
"For Malang City, the commitment to build a Livable City is a must. Moreover, Malang City has been consecrated as a Livable City by the Indonesian Architectural Association (IAI) in 2016. This further strengthens (Malang City's) steps to continue strengthening and moving towards a livable city, a smart city, a comfortable city, a city that is efficient and of course a conducive city," explained Abah Anton, as the Mayor of Malang is usually called by his citizens.
The conditions for making Malang City a choice, he added, are also inseparable from the strong synergy and communication that the regional government has built with stake holders to make Malang City even more colorful.
"The characteristics of an innovative and creative city are already in our possession (the capital). Including the involvement of creative generations and communities reflected in the presence of villages and thematic parks that not only change the face (of Malang City) physically, but also mindset its citizens," added the husband of Hj. Dewi Farida Suryani.
The commemoration of World Habitat Day and World City Day held by the PUPR Ministry was also enlivened by exhibition activities, photo competitions, seminars and workshops on urban issues. (say/yon)
