Deputy Minister of Public Works Advises LPDP Scholarship Recipient Before Studies in Amsterdam

Before leaving to study Human Geography and Planning at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in the Netherlands, Garuda LPDP scholarship recipient Azka Abdul Malik Albayroni took an unusual step. Rather than simply preparing for his departure, the Pradita Dirgantara High School alumnus, who secured 30 Letters of Acceptance from prestigious universities worldwide, visited the Ministry of Public Works to seek direct guidance on the knowledge most needed by Indonesia. Azka was accepted at leading institutions across seven countries and four continents, including the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Wageningen University, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, and the University of Toronto. He ultimately chose the University of Amsterdam to study human-oriented urban planning. “I wanted to ensure the knowledge I gain is truly relevant for Indonesia. That is why I came to ask directly what I should focus on so that when I return, I can contribute to building the nation,” Azka said. His interest in spatial planning began with a childhood hobby of playing SimCity, a city-building simulation game. “From SimCity, I became curious about how a city is actually built. Why are some cities congested, prone to flooding, or growing haphazardly? I discovered there is a field of study that examines the relationship between people, space, and policy,” he explained. Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti welcomed Azka’s initiative to seek direction rather than simply bidding farewell before his studies. She stated that Indonesia needs a younger generation who not only master planning theory but also understand collaborative policy implementation. “Indonesia needs more spatial planners who grasp issues holistically. Not just looking at maps and infrastructure, but understanding communities, the environment, and how all stakeholders work together within a single development system,” Diana said. She outlined several strategic issues for students of urban planning and human geography to consider. The first is strengthening food and water security through reliable irrigation, increasing cropping intensity, building dams, and integrated flood control. “We must protect river areas from upstream to downstream. Riverbanks must not be filled with buildings because this concerns public safety and environmental sustainability,” she stated. The second issue is controlling spatial use and protecting agricultural land. She noted that the conversion of productive paddy fields into residential or industrial areas must be managed to maintain national food security. “Development must consider balance. Productive agricultural land must be protected, while residential development should be directed in a planned manner according to spatial plans,” she said. Thirdly, Diana stressed the importance of understanding social aspects in spatial planning. “The success of spatial planning is not solely determined by physical design. Community behaviour, culture, and public participation are factors that greatly determine the success of policy implementation,” she explained. She also encouraged the development of green buildings, the use of renewable energy such as solar panels, and more environmentally friendly building materials. Furthermore, Diana asserted that the concept of collaborative spatial governance must become the foundation for future development. Concluding the meeting, Diana advised Azka to study diligently and return to dedicate his knowledge to Indonesia. “Study hard, master the knowledge. But do not forget, Indonesia awaits your return. This nation needs spatial planners, urban planners, and leaders who can build Indonesia from the root of its problems,” she said. Azka mentioned that one reason for choosing the University of Amsterdam was the European educational approach that places humans at the centre of urban planning. According to him, urban planning is not just about physical development but also about the relationship between space, community behaviour, public policy, and environmental sustainability. “I want to learn how cities are built to improve people’s quality of life. Not just constructing buildings or roads, but creating spaces that truly side with people,” he said. All the guidance provided by the Deputy Minister, from spatial governance and land protection to green development and cross-sector collaboration, will serve as preparation for his studies in the Netherlands. Dr Rachma Fitriati, a lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, University of Indonesia, and Azka’s mother, said the family has always instilled the belief that education is not merely about academic achievement but must produce tangible benefits for society. “We have always taught that knowledge is a trust. Achievements are certainly a source of pride, but what is far more important is how that knowledge can later be used to provide solutions for the nation’s problems,” she said.