Malang, May 16, 2025 – Merdeka University (UNMER) Malang reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Fujian Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, China. This collaboration is a strategic step toward strengthening research and development in sustainable urban and settlement governance, particularly through an adaptive, future-oriented architectural approach. Key leaders from the UNMER Malang Architecture Study Program signed the MOA:
- Dr. Ir. Dina Poerwoningsih, ST., MT, Head of the Undergraduate Architecture Study Program,
- Dr. Ir. Erlina Laksmiani, ST., MT, Head of the Master of Architecture Study Program,
- Prof. Ir. Respati Wikantiyoso, MSA., PhD, Head of the City and Settlement Laboratory.
The event was also attended by representatives from the Fujian Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, who are conducting comparative studies in various countries on issues of urbanization, sustainable development, and settlement conservation. The event continued with a discussion forum featuring representatives from the Malang City Government, including the Regional Development Planning Agency, the Public Works Agency, the Environmental Agency, and the Cultural Heritage Expert Team. Also present were the Vice Rector, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, lecturers and researchers from the City and Settlement Laboratory, and the academic team from the Architecture Study Program.
The discussion focused on exchanging ideas on the development of resilient, inclusive, technology-based settlement areas, as well as on approaches to cultural preservation in the context of rapid urbanization. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of urban governance models that can be applied in Malang City and cities in Fujian Province, including Fuzhou City, which is currently a Smart City pilot project in China.Jiang Jinming, Deputy Director of the Fujian Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, stated that this collaboration is crucial for strengthening cross-cultural understanding and contextualizing urban development strategies. He also invited representatives from UNMER Malang and the Malang City Government to attend the International Smart City Symposium to be held in Fuzhou City this November.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ir. Respati Wikantiyoso, MSA., PhD, emphasized that this collaboration represents a strategic opportunity to promote a transdisciplinary approach to urban development that comprehensively involves social, cultural, architectural, and technological aspects.The event also featured a presentation on the latest research and studies from the UNMER Malang City and Settlement Laboratory, which focuses on the regeneration of historic areas, the management of densely populated residential areas, and community participation-based design innovation.
The following day, the Chinese delegation, along with the UNMER Malang team, conducted field visits to several cultural heritage sites and residential areas in Malang City, accompanied by the Malang City Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB) and historian Mr. Dwi Cahyono. Through this collaboration, UNMER Malang hopes to expand further its academic role in inclusive, environmentally friendly, and sustainable urban development and to become a strategic partner in knowledge exchange between Indonesia and China.