BANDUNG \u2013 Indonesia\u2019s disaster-prone geographical and geological\nconditions demand infrastructure that is more resilient to a range of\nrisks. Eleven universities have joined forces to discuss innovations in\ninfrastructure planning, construction and maintenance to address\ndisaster threats across the country.<\/p>\n
The discussions took place at the 20th Indonesian National Civil\nEngineering Conference (KoNTekS 20), held at the National Institute of\nTechnology (Itenas) Bandung on 22\u201323 October 2026. The conference\nbrought together academics, researchers and civil engineering\npractitioners to discuss the challenges of developing infrastructure in\ndisaster-prone areas.<\/p>\n
KoNTekS 20 committee chair and head of Itenas\u2019s Civil Engineering\nStudy Programme Bernardinus Herbudiman said Indonesia faced a range of\ndisaster risks because of its geographical, geological and climatic\ncharacteristics. These conditions needed to be taken into account at\nevery stage of infrastructure development.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndonesia is an archipelagic country with highly complex\ngeographical, geological and climatological conditions,\u201d Bernardinus\nsaid on Friday (23 October 2026).<\/p>\n
He said civil engineering innovation was needed to improve\ninfrastructure resilience to multiple hazards. The development of\ntechnology and construction methods should cover infrastructure\nplanning, design, construction, management and maintenance.<\/p>\n
KoNTekS 20 featured three keynote speakers, 11 invited speakers and\n177 academic papers presented in a series of parallel sessions. The\ndiscussions provided a forum for exchanging knowledge and research on\ndeveloping more resilient infrastructure.<\/p>\n
Eleven universities took part in the conference-organising\nconsortium. Alongside Itenas, they were Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University,\nSebelas Maret University, Udayana University, Tarumanagara University,\nTrisakti University, Pelita Harapan University, Soegijapranata Catholic\nUniversity, Balikpapan University, Al Azhar University Mataram and Nusa\nCendana University in Kupang.<\/p>\n
Bernardinus said the involvement of universities from different\nregions was expected to broaden the exchange of experience on\ninfrastructure development challenges. Each region has distinct\ncharacteristics and disaster risks, requiring a development approach\nsuited to local conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cCross-regional synergy, from Sumatra, Java, Bali and Kalimantan to\nNusa Tenggara, demonstrates the universities\u2019 collective commitment to\nensuring equitable infrastructure development and resilience throughout\nIndonesia,\u201d Bernardinus said.<\/p>\n
In addition to academic discussions, the programme included a field\nvisit to the Cirata hydroelectric power plant and solar power plant. The\nvisit was an opportunity to see energy infrastructure in practice.<\/p>\n
Acting Director of Bridge Development at the Ministry of Public\nWorks\u2019 Directorate General of Highways Gatot Sukmara praised the\nuniversities\u2019 collaboration in organising KoNTekS 20. He said research\nand technology development at universities could help the government\nimprove its disaster-mitigation capabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cKoNTekS is an excellent example of collaboration among universities,\nwhich we hope can help the government mitigate disasters in Indonesia,\u201d\nGatot said.<\/p>\n
Gatot said infrastructure development required swift action, proven\ninnovation and accountable governance. Infrastructure also needed to be\ndesigned to adapt to changing hydrometeorological, geological and\ngeophysical conditions.<\/p>\n
The conference is expected to foster collaboration between\nuniversities and the government and produce development approaches\nbetter suited to Indonesia\u2019s regional characteristics. Strengthening\nresearch and innovation is one of the requirements for improving\ninfrastructure resilience to disaster risks.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/11-universities-discuss-disaster-resilient-infrastructure-in-bandung-1792767093", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }