- On January 23 2025, GCIP organised a ‘visioning workshop’ on improving mobility, accessibility and quality of life in Greater Surabaya.
- The workshop was attended by academics, Bappenas and government officials from multiple provincial and regional agencies.
- Three further workshops will build on the event’s outcomes to establish a clear roadmap for improved mobility and sustainable development in Greater Surabaya.
The combination of rapid population growth and an increasingly unpredictable climate is putting pressure on the urban centres of East Java, one of Indonesia’s most populous provinces. The challenges of urban mobility, climate resilience and habitability are keenly felt in the province’s capital, Surabaya. Known to its 10 million residents as Gerbangkertosusilo, the Surabaya metropolitan area is the second-largest conurbation in Indonesia.
On January 23 2025, the city hosted a ‘visioning workshop’ organised by the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP). This workshop brought together a diverse group of 91 participants – including academics, members of Bappenas and government officials from provincial and regional development, transport and environmental agencies – to envision a sustainable and inclusive future for East Java. The workshop achieved this with knowledge-sharing and interactive discussions on integrated public transport, climate resilience, liveable cities and an integrated transportation institution for Greater Surabaya.
A highlight of the event was a knowledge-sharing session presented by Transport for London (TfL), one of GCIP’s UK Agency Delivery Partners. TfL representatives shared their expertise and experiences in urban transportation planning and management. Their insights offered valuable lessons on how to develop efficient, sustainable and inclusive transportation systems using approaches such as nature-based solutions and sustainable mobility.
The visioning workshop supports GCIP’s work in Indonesia by strengthening sustainable, low-carbon urban mobility in Greater Surabaya. At the same time, it aims to support East Java Province and Surabaya City governments to improve the enabling environment for planning and financing of sustainable, climate-responsive urban transport and mobility projects. The event also helps local governments prioritise and finance important transport projects by improving their planning, resilience and investment. This will foster economic growth, job creation and better public services while advancing greener, more inclusive cities.
Three more workshops will build on the outcomes and cooperation of January’s visioning workshop. First, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis will assess Greater Surabaya’s mobility conditions to identify challenges and opportunities for future development. Next, a prioritisation workshop will evaluate and rank possible urban mobility projects based on impact and feasibility. Finally, a project finalisation workshop will refine selected initiatives, ensuring they are well-structured and aligned with municipal government goals. Together, these workshops will create a clear roadmap for improved mobility and sustainable development in Greater Surabaya – improving mobility, accessibility and quality of life for all its residents.
The UK’s Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme is tackling climate change and extreme poverty by accelerating the delivery of sustainable green cities and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Published
05/02/25
