Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City shares a topic on Indonesia and the Urbanization phenomenon at the USSH, VNUHCM
On the afternoon of November 19, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM, was honored to welcome Mrs. Carolina Tinangon - Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City - to visit and share insights with graduate students, undergraduates of the Faculty of Urban Studies, researchers, lecturers, and guests of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research. The program was chaired by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, in an intimate academic atmosphere aimed at strengthening the connection between Vietnam and Indonesia.
Indonesia and the Urbanization phenomenon – Perspectives from a Multi-Ethnic Country
Mrs. Carolina Tinangon’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the rapid urbanization process in Indonesia, a country of 273 million people, 17,000 islands, 38 provinces, more than 1,331 ethnic groups, and 718 languages. The urban population has increased sharply since the 1960s, reaching over 56%, largely due to a wave of rural-urban migration driven by economic opportunities, education, and improved urban infrastructure. Indonesia’s two megacities – Jabodetabek (about 30 million people) and Gerbangkertosusila (about 10 million people) – are engines of growth and present major planning challenges. Urbanization has multidimensional impacts, including promoting industry and services, changing social and family structures, increasing inequality, stimulating multiculturalism in urban life, and exerting considerable pressure on the environment (pollution, waste, flooding, coastal erosion). Indonesia is moving towards an urban future, with a forecast that 70% of the population will live in cities by 2045, along with the rise of intermediate cities, the “smart city” program, and especially the strategic impact of the new capital Nusantara (IKN) in reshaping the national development landscape.
Strengthening Vietnam-Indonesia Academic Cooperation
Speaking at the event, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan highly appreciated the valuable insights shared by the Consul General and emphasized the potential for cooperation between the two countries in comparative urban studies, scholar and student exchanges, teaching programs on Southeast Asian studies and urban anthropology, and connecting the Indonesian community in Ho Chi Minh City with the cultural-academic activities of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research.
The meeting also created opportunities for students and researchers to directly ask questions about the challenges of urbanization, urban governance, and sustainable development policies in Indonesia.
The visit and presentation by Consul General Carolina Tinangon contributed to promoting academic diplomacy and enhancing understanding between Vietnam and Indonesia, in the spirit of building a cohesive, dynamic, and sustainable ASEAN Community.
The Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research and the Faculty of Urban Studies expressed their desire to continue welcoming more exchange activities, discussions, and in-depth cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City in the near future.
Some photos from the program:
