Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to building inclusive and sustainable cities at a recent BRICS ministerial forum on urbanization in Brazil.

“As the fourth most populous country in the world, Indonesia brings both hope and responsibility in shaping a more just, resilient, and sustainable future,” AHY said in a statement on Wednesday.

He emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing the challenges of urbanization and climate change, particularly the inequity in access to housing finance for the most vulnerable communities.

AHY also highlighted two major challenges faced by many countries, including Indonesia: the rapid pace of urbanization and the increasingly visible impacts of climate change.

He noted that more than half of Indonesia’s population currently lives in urban areas, a figure projected to rise to 70 percent by 2045.

“We must ensure inclusive and resilient urban growth. No one should be left behind,” he stressed.

AHY said Indonesia supports an integrated development approach that links land, housing, transportation, water, and energy into one cohesive and sustainable infrastructure system.

“Every investment must generate multiple benefits, such as decent jobs, improved resilience, greater dignity, and long-term prosperity,” he explained.

He also encouraged greater collaboration among BRICS member countries, urging them to share innovations and best practices in urban management.

Examples he highlighted included Brazil’s social housing programs, Russia’s climate-resilient city technologies, and Indonesia’s island connectivity initiatives.

“BRICS has the potential to become a powerful driver of global change. Indonesia is ready to contribute through data-sharing, pilot projects, and practical policies,” AHY said.

He concluded by underscoring that housing should not only be seen as a basic human need, but also as a cornerstone for inclusive development and urban resilience in the future.

BRICS is an intergovernmental organization originally formed as an acronym for five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

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Translator: Arnidhya Nur Zhafira, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Anton Santoso
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