Depok-Deputy Minister of Housing and Settlements of the Republic of Indonesia, Fahri Hamzah, emphasized the crucial role of vocational education in developing human resources (HR) capable of adapting and providing solutions to development challenges. Fahri Hamzah urged all students of the Universitas Indonesia (UI) Vocational Education Program to contribute to solving social and environmental issues.
“UI Vocational students must have resilience, not only to face the challenges of future employment, but also to contribute to solving social and environmental problems,” said Fahri Hamzah in a public lecture entitled “Domicile, Vocation, and Resilience” at the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) of the UI Vocational Education Program, Wednesday (13/8).
In his presentation, Fahri Hamzah highlighted the challenges of population growth and land constraints in Indonesia’s metropolitan areas. According to 2024 data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the land consumption rate (LCR) in 10 metropolitan areas increased by between 4 and 15 percent, with land use reaching 5,000 and 7,000 hectares.
“Land availability continues to decline, while the population continues to grow. This presents a serious challenge that requires a sustainable spatial planning strategy,” he added.
(Photo: Awarding of a certificate of appreciation to Fahri Hamzah by the Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D)
According to Fahri, the development of metropolitan areas, such as Jabodetabekpunjur (Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi-Puncak-Cianjur), Gerbangkertosusila (Gresik-Bangkalan-Mojokerto-Surabaya-Sidoarjo-Lamongan), and the Bandung Basin (Bandung City, Cimahi City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency, and part of Sumedang Regency), shows massive urban expansion. Therefore, there is a need for a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept to optimize city connectivity, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and conserve land use.
Meanwhile, the Director of the UI Padang Vocational Education Program, Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, emphasized that the theme of the public lecture strengthens the goal of the UI Vocational Education Program in producing graduates who are globally competitive and environmentally aware.
“What Mr. Fahri Hamzah said serves as a reminder that development isn’t just about physical infrastructure, but also the readiness of the people who manage it. UI Vocational students must be agents of change who understand the link between quality of life, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. This aligns with UI’s commitment to creating a friendly, efficient, and sustainable learning environment,” Padang said.
Furthermore, Fahri encouraged the new UI Vocational students to instill a spirit of mutual cooperation in national development. According to Padang, strengthening vocational capacity relevant to the needs of housing and residential development will accelerate the achievement of a more sustainable and livable Indonesia.
(Photo: The atmosphere of Fahri Hamzah’s presence at the 2025 UI Vocational PKKMB event)
The public lecture was part of the UI Vocational PKKMB 2025 series, attended by around 1,600 students from 15 D3 and D4 study programs. The event aimed to instill national values, build environmental awareness, and prepare new students to play an active role in national development.
One of the new students in the Creative Advertising study program, Siti Rahma Azeth, admitted to being motivated after listening to the public lecture.
“I’ve come to understand more clearly that urban development isn’t just the government’s responsibility, but also requires our involvement as the younger generation. I want the knowledge I’ve gained at university to be useful in making our living environments more organized and comfortable,” said Azeth.
