By Bart Barendregt
In November 2024, a mix of urban leaders, researchers, and policymakers gathered at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) for the Urban Futures Leadership Academy 2024. Hosted by the Leiden Delft Erasmus (LDE) Alliance, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and ITB, the event served as a think tank for the future of cities, sparking conversations on how emerging technologies could reshape urban life—both for better and for worse. Among them was Bart Barendregt, an anthropologist from Leiden University and Principal Investigator of the One Among the Zeroes Project, who co-organized the event.
Rethinking Smart Cities: More Than Just Technology
The Academy explored how cities can evolve into smart, sustainable, adaptable, and livable spaces, harnessing the power of innovation while carefully considering the risks that come with it. From artificial intelligence and big data to smart infrastructure, the discussions underscored the urgent need to balance technological progress with social and environmental responsibility. After all, the cities of the future aren’t just about cutting-edge tech—they’re about the people who live in them.
While digital tools can enhance governance and efficiency, real progress requires integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience into urban policy. Prof. Suhono Harso Supangkat reminded participants that “smart” cities must prioritize people and planet, not just technological efficiency. The Academy challenged participants to rethink urban futures through multi-disciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and adaptive policies.
Key Themes and Discussions
Discussions at the Academy explored how cities can adopt technology while ensuring sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. Experts shared insights on urban futures, blending case studies with theoretical approaches. Joris van Etten (ADB) emphasized integrated urban water management for rapidly growing regions. Paul Rabé (Erasmus University) advocated for an ecosystem approach to smart cities, prioritizing human and environmental needs over purely technological solutions. His discussion on water-sensitive cities and governance challenges resonated strongly. Cristiana Strava (Leiden University) critically examined smart cities, highlighting how urban policies often neglect social inequalities. She urged a more inclusive approach to development, aligning with debates on digital transformation. Aris Kurniawan (KOMINFO) introduced Indonesia’s national Smart City framework, while Rizal Shidiq warned of fragmentation, noting the proliferation of over 2,500 government apps with unclear data governance. The third day focused on Smart Literacy and Urban Resilience. Prof. Yusep Rosmansyah stressed the role of digital education in empowering citizens for smart city participation. In a final interactive session, policymakers tackled implementation barriers, including funding, regulation, and collaboration. Many emphasized partnerships between universities, local governments, and development banks as crucial for turning smart city concepts into a liveable reality.
Youth Summit: The Future of Liveable Cities
The Youth Summit on the final day brought together the urban decision makers with future leaders, industry and youth and civil organisations, and shifted the focus to Liveable Cities and the Creative Economy. The discussion examined the role of heritage and culture in shaping urban identity and debated whether smart city planning can effectively balance economic growth with cultural preservation. Participants emphasized that young people are key stakeholders in urban innovation, with digital tools offering new opportunities to reshape public spaces and enhance community resilience.
A Valuable Resource: The UFLA Brochure
A key outcome of the Academy is the Urban Futures Leadership Academy Brochure, compiled by Dinda Larasati of the Saksara Foundation. The brochure distills best practices, key takeaways, and policy recommendations, offering a practical guide for policymakers and urban planners. Among the insights captured in the brochure are strategies for building environmentally resilient cities, strengthening public trust in governance, and fostering public-private partnerships for sustainable urban projects.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Urban Innovation
The Urban Futures Leadership Academy 2024 has laid the groundwork for continued collaboration. With cities worldwide facing urgent challenges—climate change, rapid urbanization, and digital transformation—forums like this are critical for shaping the next generation of urban leaders. The Academy reinforced that truly smart cities are those that not only leverage technological affordances but also prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and governance transparency. Moving forward, participants aim to apply these insights in their own cities, ensuring urban futures that are not only smart but also just and sustainable.
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