Striving Towards More Resilient Communities
and Cities

Environmental and urban issues lie at the core of many problems facing society, especially in developing countries

In Indonesia, natural hazards are an unfortunate reality of everyday life, and each island has its own vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to different hazards. After studying urban planning for my undergraduate studies, I learned that environmental and urban issues lie at the core of many other problems facing society, including economic ones. This is especially the case in developing countries. Eager to deepen my knowledge, I pursued masters' studies in Indonesia and Thailand, before returning to Indonesia to work as a lecturer.

The doctoral program at SFC stood out to me because several professors here conduct research in areas aligned with my passions. In fact, my advisor Professor Rajib Shaw is well-known in Indonesia for having done disaster management work with the government. Through my professors here, I have learned all about urbanism, as well as how to become a bridge between local affected people and the government to contribute to community resilience. Japan is no stranger to natural hazards, so many learnings from here can be applied to the challenges faced by Indonesia.

During my time at SFC, I have been able to connect with experts from around the world, widening my network of collaborators

My research focuses on assessing the community disaster resilience of Balikpapan, a city that will be affected by the planned relocation of Indonesia's capital city. Through an integrated framework/model that examines characteristics of sub-districts within the city, I have identified distinct challenges faced by each sub-district, and their respective resilience status. This information can then be used to make policy recommendations to improve resilience of those areas. Interestingly, as municipal responses have lagged, communities have also been adapting on their own, in an "autonomous adaptation" process. The guidance and support of my professors has been integral in carrying out this research on such a deep level.

Keio University is well-known in Indonesia for its academic excellence and strong alumni network. Furthermore, during my time at SFC, I have been able to connect with experts in the United States, India, and the United Kingdom, and this has enriched my experience and widened my network of collaborators. After returning to Indonesia, I would like to continue such international collaborations while also working with local communities, implementing programs to foster resilience to face the threats posed by climate change and disasters.

Introduction of Laboratory