Nurrohman Wijaya, Ph.D., a faculty member of the School of Architecture, Planning and Policy Development (SAPPK) at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), recently completed a research matchmaking visit to the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, as part of efforts to strengthen international research collaboration and advance sustainable urban development. The visit was conducted from June 6–12, 2026, through the Research Matchmaking EQUITY Program – World Class University for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The collaboration focused on developing a transdisciplinary research framework under the theme “Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Urban Resilience and Social Justice in Indonesia.”

During the visit to UQ’s St Lucia campus, Dr. Wijaya participated in research discussions with Dr Sonia Roitman, as well as UQ faculty members and doctoral researchers. The discussions explored opportunities to connect environmental and urban-physical approaches with social justice perspectives, particularly to ensure that nature-based interventions generate equitable benefits for vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

The research collaboration contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: (1) SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities through equitable access to green infrastructure and public spaces; (2) SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Incorporating social justice considerations into NbS planning and addressing potential risks such as green gentrification; and (3) SDG 13 – Climate Action: Using ecosystem-based approaches to strengthen urban climate resilience, including heat adaptation and flood-risk reduction.

Learning from Nature-Based Solutions in Brisbane

As part of the visit, Dr. Wijaya also examined several examples of nature-based and water-sensitive infrastructure in Brisbane. At UQ, the revitalized Lake and Amphitheatre demonstrates the use of recirculating bioretention wetlands and native vegetation to improve water quality and manage stormwater. The Global Change Institute (GCI) provided another example of integrated sustainable infrastructure, incorporating vertical green walls, natural ventilation systems, and water-reuse technologies. Broader observations across Brisbane also highlighted the application of Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), including rain gardens, permeable surfaces, and riparian green corridors along the Brisbane River to support stormwater management and flood resilience. The research matchmaking has also generated tangible academic outputs. One key outcome is a co-authored draft journal article entitled “Redefining Green Open Space Governance in Tropical Medium Cities: Lessons from Cirebon City, Indonesia.” The study examines the provision and governance of public green open space in Cirebon and explores strategies to address the gap between existing green-space provision and national requirements.

The collaboration provides a foundation for continued academic cooperation between ITB and UQ. Future activities may include joint student supervision, guest lectures, collaborative research, and policy-oriented focus groups, strengthening the translation of interdisciplinary research into practical spatial planning and urban development policies in Indonesia.