UNDIP, Semarang (July 14, 2025) — Achieving inclusive and sustainable spatial planning requires multi-helix collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Researchers are responsible for formulating alternative solutions, policymakers translate these alternatives into policy instruments, while practitioners play a critical role in implementing the policies. These three actors must work synergistically to ensure development is not fragmented or sectoral but instead integrated, adaptive, and sustainable.
In response to this need, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DPWK) of the Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), provided a collaborative platform by organizing The 20th IRSA International Conference 2025—an international academic conference and research competition involving regional science experts, including those from DPWK UNDIP. The event was held on Monday and Tuesday, July 14–15, 2025, at the Patra Semarang Hotel in Semarang, Jawa Tengah, and was attended by participants from various countries.
Under the theme “Localizing Smart Economy and Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth and Sustainability,” the 20th IRSA International Conference 2025 aimed to foster strong cohesion among stakeholders. In addition to academics and practitioners, the conference was supported by several think-tank organizations as sponsors, including KONEKSI (Knowledge Partnership Platform Indonesia-Australia), Article 33, Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI), The Asia Foundation (TAF), and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Key topics discussed at the conference included:
- Digital and innovative economy and local development
- Smart infrastructure and regional development
- Innovative governance and institutions for sustainable cities and regions
- Climate mitigation and adaptation in a changing environment
- Innovations for strengthening local competitiveness
- New frontiers in regional science theories and approaches
- Spatial transformation in the rapid urbanization era
- Mainstreaming gender and social inclusion in policy and practice
Plenary speakers at the 20th IRSA International Conference 2025 included:
- Prof. (H.C. Undip) Ir. Bambang Susantono, MCP, MSCE, Ph.D. (Cities and Local Government Institute Asia-Pacific)
- Prof. Nicholas Phelps (The University of Melbourne)
- Assoc. Prof. Rita Padawangi (Singapore University of Social Sciences)
- Prof. F.X. Sugiyanto (Universitas Diponegoro)
- Prof. Arnold Tukker (Leiden University)
The 20th IRSA International Conference 2025 is expected to foster synergy among urban and regional development actors. This synergy will be crucial to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth that aligns with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More than a forum for sharing research and practice, the conference served as a platform to formulate responsive and adaptive strategies to address development challenges. (Public Communication/ FT/ DPWK)