“The concept of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) must become a mainstream policy in urban planning,” AHY said at the 54th Earoph Regional Conference on Monday.
He explained that the TOD model aims to connect communities with workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces. Well-planned cities, he said, would save residents time and money while improving comfort and efficiency.
“If people live near where they work, study, and access services, they can greatly reduce daily travel time,” he said.
With urban populations projected to reach 70 percent of the world’s total by 2040–2050, Yudhoyono said Indonesia’s cities must be designed to support residents’ needs while remaining efficient.
He outlined three key principles for future cities: environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, and technological intelligence.
Alongside TOD, he highlighted urban regeneration as a crucial strategy to revitalize aging areas, cautioning against development focused solely on modern infrastructure while ignoring inequality.
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“Urban regeneration means revitalization, reform, and regulation to promote equitable growth and prevent deepening inequality,” he said.
He warned that rapid urbanization can be a double-edged sword, noting that behind high-rise skylines, many still live in overcrowded, substandard housing.
“We continue to see poverty in cities — cramped homes with poor lighting and no sanitation,” he said.
AHY stressed that development must remain centered on people’s welfare.
“A people-first approach should not be just a slogan. Development must enhance family wellbeing and create decent jobs,” he said.
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Translator: Shofi, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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