Malang, 21 November 2024 – The Architecture Study Program of the Merdeka University of Malang held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Digitalization of Green Open Space Patterns in Colonial Cities in Indonesia: Spatial Syntax in CBD and Residential Areas in Malang and Bandung.” This event was led by the Head of the Research Team, Pindo Tutuko, ST., MT., Ph.D., with team members Nurul Aini, ST., MT., Ph.D., Adisti Safrilia, ST., Ars., M.Ars., and Aditya Galih Sulaksono, S.Kom., M.Kom. This FGD also invited the Secretary of the Malang City Environmental Service, Soni Bachtiar, S.E., M.M., as the main speaker to provide practical perspectives related to the implementation and policies of Green Open Space.
This FGD was held to discuss mapping and analysis of spatial syntax in green open spaces (RTH) in the central business district (CBD) and residential areas in historical cities such as Malang and Bandung. This topic is essential in understanding the role of RTH as a supporting element for the quality of the urban environment, especially in the context of colonial cities with unique spatial characteristics.
In his remarks, Pindo Tutuko, ST., MT., Ph.D., explained that this project is part of the Fundamental Research Grant – Regular and National Competitive Research, which focuses on efforts to digitize spatial planning based on technology to analyze the distribution patterns of RTH more accurately. “Through the spatial syntax approach, we hope to produce data that can be integrated into a geographic information system to support more sustainable city planning,” said Pindo.
In his presentation, the Secretary of the Malang City Environmental Service expressed his appreciation for the steps taken by academics in supporting the development and management of green open space in Malang City. He highlighted the importance of synergy between the government, academics, and the community in maintaining the sustainability of urban ecosystems. “We are very open to further collaboration, especially in implementing the results of this study to support better urban spatial planning policies,” he said.
The discussion in this FGD covered various topics, such as (1) Analysis of spatial syntax to understand the pattern of green open space connectivity in the CBD and residential areas, (2) The role of digital technology in mapping the potential and shortcomings of green open space in colonial cities, and (3) Comparative case study between Malang City and Bandung in managing green open space.
Pindo Tutuko also added that the architectural and historical aspects of the city also play an essential role in this study. “We are trying to integrate.asikan elemen sejarah kota kolonial ke dalam analisis RTH, sehingga solusi yang dihasilkan tidak hanya relevan secara ekologis tetapi juga sesuai dengan identitas kota,” jelas Pindo.
Aditya Galih Sulaksono, S.Kom., M.Kom., explained that using technology such as geographic information systems (GIS) is one of the innovations in this research. “Technology allows us to produce more detailed visualization of green open space data and support data-based decision-making,” he said.
The event was closed with an interactive discussion session involving participants from academics, government, and practitioners. All parties agreed that digitalizing green open space patterns can be a strategic solution in improving the quality of urban spatial planning, especially in colonial cities such as Malang and Bandung.
Through this FGD, Universitas Merdeka Malang again shows its commitment to contributing fundamentally to sustainable urban development. This research is expected to positively impact urban spatial planning while opening up opportunities for cross-sector collaboration in the future.