The Graduate School (SPs) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a meeting with Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo on Thursday 14th August 2026 to discuss opportunities for collaboration in supporting sustainable urban development. The meeting marked an initial step toward strengthening the synergy of higher education institutions and local government in addressing various development challenges in Yogyakarta City.
The UGM Graduate School delegation attending the meeting consisted of Muhammad Sulaiman, Dicky Sofjan, Samsyul Asri, and Surono. During the meeting, both parties discussed various opportunities for collaboration that could be established with research activities, community service, and capacity building for human resources.
Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo welcomed the visit of the UGM Graduate School delegation. He stated that the collaboration was aligned with the vision and programs of the Yogyakarta City Government to create development that is more inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-based.
“UGM’s role is currently very much needed in developing society, both through research and community service,” said Hasto Wardoyo.
He added that the involvement of academics is essential in formulating solutions to various urban issues faced by Yogyakarta. Research findings and innovations from higher education institutions are expected to serve as a basis for developing more targeted public policies.
Hasto Wardoyo also stated that future development in Yogyakarta City needs to broaden its focus. To date, many programs and investments have been concentrated in the Malioboro area as the city’s tourism icon. However, he noted that it is now time for the potential of river areas to receive greater attention, both as public spaces and as an important part of the urban ecosystem.
“So far, the attention of various parties has largely been focused on the Malioboro area. Now it is time for us to look toward the rivers as part of Yogyakarta City’s development,” he said.
This meeting showed the UGM Graduate School hopes to establish sustainable collaboration with the Yogyakarta City Government through various strategic programs. Synergy of academia and government is expected to generate innovations, policy recommendations, and community empowerment programs that have a tangible impact on improving the quality of the environment and the lives of Yogyakarta residents.
Author: Surono