11 Universities Discuss Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure in Bandung
BANDUNG – Indonesia’s disaster-prone geographical and geological conditions demand infrastructure that is more resilient to a range of risks. Eleven universities have joined forces to discuss innovations in infrastructure planning, construction and maintenance to address disaster threats across the country.
The discussions took place at the 20th Indonesian National Civil Engineering Conference (KoNTekS 20), held at the National Institute of Technology (Itenas) Bandung on 22–23 October 2026. The conference brought together academics, researchers and civil engineering practitioners to discuss the challenges of developing infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.
KoNTekS 20 committee chair and head of Itenas’s Civil Engineering Study Programme Bernardinus Herbudiman said Indonesia faced a range of disaster risks because of its geographical, geological and climatic characteristics. These conditions needed to be taken into account at every stage of infrastructure development.
“Indonesia is an archipelagic country with highly complex geographical, geological and climatological conditions,” Bernardinus said on Friday (23 October 2026).
He said civil engineering innovation was needed to improve infrastructure resilience to multiple hazards. The development of technology and construction methods should cover infrastructure planning, design, construction, management and maintenance.
KoNTekS 20 featured three keynote speakers, 11 invited speakers and 177 academic papers presented in a series of parallel sessions. The discussions provided a forum for exchanging knowledge and research on developing more resilient infrastructure.
Eleven universities took part in the conference-organising consortium. Alongside Itenas, they were Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, Sebelas Maret University, Udayana University, Tarumanagara University, Trisakti University, Pelita Harapan University, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Balikpapan University, Al Azhar University Mataram and Nusa Cendana University in Kupang.
Bernardinus said the involvement of universities from different regions was expected to broaden the exchange of experience on infrastructure development challenges. Each region has distinct characteristics and disaster risks, requiring a development approach suited to local conditions.
“Cross-regional synergy, from Sumatra, Java, Bali and Kalimantan to Nusa Tenggara, demonstrates the universities’ collective commitment to ensuring equitable infrastructure development and resilience throughout Indonesia,” Bernardinus said.
In addition to academic discussions, the programme included a field visit to the Cirata hydroelectric power plant and solar power plant. The visit was an opportunity to see energy infrastructure in practice.
Acting Director of Bridge Development at the Ministry of Public Works’ Directorate General of Highways Gatot Sukmara praised the universities’ collaboration in organising KoNTekS 20. He said research and technology development at universities could help the government improve its disaster-mitigation capabilities.
“KoNTekS is an excellent example of collaboration among universities, which we hope can help the government mitigate disasters in Indonesia,” Gatot said.
Gatot said infrastructure development required swift action, proven innovation and accountable governance. Infrastructure also needed to be designed to adapt to changing hydrometeorological, geological and geophysical conditions.
The conference is expected to foster collaboration between universities and the government and produce development approaches better suited to Indonesia’s regional characteristics. Strengthening research and innovation is one of the requirements for improving infrastructure resilience to disaster risks.