Dr. Kei Otsuki’s Public Lecture on Sustainable Urbanization at Mulawarman University

On August 19th, Dr. Kei Otsuki held a public lecture at Mulawarman University, sharing insights into the sustainability and inclusivity of Indonesia’s capital relocation to Kalimantan. Dr. Otsuki’s lecture, grounded in a multidisciplinary approach developed through Indonesia-Dutch research collaboration, examined how urbanization in Nusantara might be planned in a way that would benefit both local communities and the environment.

Drawing on research from the Following Frontiers project, Dr. Otsuki discussed strategies for ensuring that the rapid development of Nusantara supports sustainable resource management, protects existing ecosystems, and includes local populations in the planning process. By bringing together environmental, social, and economic perspectives, the Following Frontiers team aims to develop frameworks that prevent the exclusion of vulnerable groups and promote balanced, resilient growth.

This lecture offered valuable perspectives on the potential and challenges of the creation of the “forest city” in Kalimantan, fostering dialogue on ways to integrate community needs and ecological concerns into Indonesia’s urban future.