Boldly addressing the future of urban development, Indonesia is urging a visionary approach to city planning that spans 30 to 40 years. This significant call to action was articulated by Tomsi Tohir, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, who emphasized the critical role of thorough urban governance in achieving sustainable growth.
In a statement made during the 2025 Outlook meeting of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI) in Bandar Lampung, Tohir stressed, "Our capacity to plan our cities effectively is crucial. This includes establishing frameworks, regional regulations, and additional supportive measures. It’s vital that we begin paying attention to the distinctive features of each city."
He underlined that the groundwork for planning should not be confined to the duration of a single leadership term, especially given the ongoing urban challenges that affect the public. Here’s where it gets controversial: the neglect of long-term perspectives can lead to policies that fail to meet the needs of rapidly growing populations in urban areas.
Tohir assured that the Ministry of Home Affairs is actively investigating innovative strategies for managing waste in cities. Collaborations with various stakeholders have intensified, focusing on developing waste management practices that serve the community, including initiatives to convert waste into energy—a concept that could fundamentally change urban sustainability.
During his remarks, he pointed out that the explosive population growth in cities is frequently overlooked by leaders, leading to reactive rather than proactive policy-making. To tackle this pressing issue, he called on regional governments to create more anticipatory and thoroughly planned policies.
To inspire urban advancement, Tohir highlighted several opportunities, such as enhancing local economic development through central government programs. One such initiative is the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, which has the potential to invigorate local economies by addressing food supply needs directly.
Furthermore, initiatives like the tuition-free Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School) program and the Free Health Screening (CKG) program aim to elevate the overall quality of human resources within regions, fostering a healthier, more educated populace.
But this is the part most people miss: the interconnectedness of education, health, and economic stability is crucial for sustainable urban growth. What do you think about the long-term vision for urban planning in Indonesia? Are these strategies sufficient to address the complexities of modern cities? Share your thoughts in the comments!
