Exploring Opportunities: Monash University, Indonesia Visits UNS and Prof. Sardono Kusumo
Visitation of Dr. Eka Permanasari to Department of Urban and Regional Planning UNS
Surakarta, Central Java – On October 30, 2024, Monash University, Indonesia, represented by Dr. Eka Permanasari, Associate Professor in Urban Design, conducted a visit to Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta and held a meaningful discussion with Prof. Sardono Waluyo Kusumo, a well-known Indonesian dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker. This visit aimed to strengthen academic ties and explore potential collaborations between the institutions.
Visit to Urban and Regional Planning and Architecture UNS
Dr. Permanasari began her day with a visit to the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and the Department of Architecture at UNS. Both departments operate under the Faculty of Engineering (FT). While Monash University, Indonesia already holds a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with FSRD UNS, this visit opened the door to potential collaboration with FT UNS as well.
Both departments warmly welcomed Dr. Permanasari’s visit and expressed enthusiasm for future initiatives. Following up to this visitation, the Department of Architecture UNS invites Dr. Permanasari to become a guest reviewer for undergraduate students, providing professional feedback on their architectural design projects for Arsitektur Permukiman Kota Desa course. This opportunity underscores the shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and cross-institutional learning.
Dialogue between Monash University, Indonesia, UNS and Prof. Sardono Waluyo Kusumo
Discussion with Prof. Sardono Kusumo
Following her activities at UNS, Dr. Permanasari and Urban Design fellow students met with Prof. Sardono Waluyo Kusumo, a luminary in Indonesian performing arts known for blending traditional dance with modern experimental techniques. Prof. Sardono’s works have not only elevated Indonesian arts on the global stage but have also explored themes of environmental sustainability and indigenous heritage.
The discussion, also attended by Dr. Pandu Purwandaru, revolved around the vision of design culture in Indonesia. The three institutions shared concerns about how formal and rigid education systems have started to overlook local elements and community participation. This conversation highlighted the need to shift toward participatory environmental development that integrates local knowledge and community engagement in urban planning and design processes.
The visit marked a significant step toward enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration between Monash University Indonesia and UNS. Dr. Permanasari’s engagements with both departments and the insightful discussions with Prof. Sardono highlights the shared vision of fostering impactful academic and cultural initiatives. This collaboration is set to pave the way for innovative projects that integrate urban design, cultural preservation, and modern educational practices, benefiting both institutions and the broader academic community.