Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Supporting arts and heritage under SDG 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” emphasizes preserving cultural legacies while advancing urban sustainability. This includes safeguarding historical sites, promoting local art, and ensuring urban spaces reflect diverse cultural histories. Such initiatives not only enrich community identity but also boost tourism and economic growth. Integrating arts and heritage into urban development fosters a sense of belonging, enhances social cohesion, and contributes to the creation of vibrant, sustainable cities.
The iMuseum at the Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia is an educational cluster dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of medical education and healthcare in Indonesia. The museum features an extensive collection of historical artifacts, documents, and exhibitions that trace the development of medical practices and the pivotal role played by the Universitas Indonesia in advancing healthcare in the country.
Through interactive displays, the iMuseum provides a dynamic learning environment where visitors can engage with the history of medical science in Indonesia. It serves not only as a place for historical reflection but also as an educational resource that bridges the past with future advancements in medicine.
The iMuseum’s mission aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and promotes the importance of integrating historical awareness into urban development and public health strategies. By conserving the history of medical education, the iMuseum plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable development through cultural preservation and education.
Visitors to the iMuseum are given the opportunity to explore the milestones of medical education in Indonesia, gaining deeper insight into both historical and contemporary healthcare challenges and innovations.
The Universitas Indonesia (UI) Library is a vital resource for students, faculty, and researchers, offering extensive access to academic materials, research tools, and learning support services. As a hub of knowledge, the UI Library provides a comprehensive range of resources, including physical and digital collections, scholarly journals, e-books, and databases, ensuring that users have access to the most up-to-date information across various disciplines.
With modern facilities and services, the library is designed to meet the diverse needs of its academic community. Visitors can access various services, such as borrowing and returning books, inter-library loans, and research consultation. The library also offers online services, enabling users to explore digital archives, access electronic resources, and engage with research tools remotely. Moreover, the library’s study spaces are well-equipped with comfortable seating, quiet areas, and technology access, providing an ideal environment for focused research and learning.
The UI Library is closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and supporting education and research through its vast collections and services. By fostering a community of knowledge-sharing and lifelong learning, the UI Library contributes to the development of sustainable urban communities and promotes equitable access to information.
Additionally, the library collaborates with various faculties, including the Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Economics and Business, ensuring that specialized resources are available to meet the unique needs of each academic field. The Public Sector and Business Research Center (PSB) and Research and Human Rights Documentation Center (PDRH) at the Faculty of Law are examples of how UI integrates specialized knowledge and research into its library services to support students and researchers in those disciplines.
In addition, the Faculty of Psychology at UI has a Reading Room that can be accessed by students free of charge. The Vocational Education Program and the Faculty of Administrative Sciences also have libraries that students can access.
With its comprehensive services and dedication to supporting academic excellence, the UI Library remains an essential resource for the university community, advancing education, research, and sustainable urban development.
The iMuseum at the Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, offers a unique space where the history of medical education and healthcare in Indonesia is preserved and celebrated. With both physical exhibits and interactive displays, the iMuseum provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich heritage of medical advancements and the critical role that the Universitas Indonesia has played in shaping the nation’s healthcare system. The museum’s Instagram page showcases highlights from the collection, offering a glimpse into the various exhibits and educational programs that engage students and the public alike.
In addition to the iMuseum, the Universitas Indonesia Library is a vital academic resource, offering a vast collection of scholarly materials and research tools. The library serves as a hub for students and researchers across all disciplines, providing access to digital and physical resources that support academic and professional growth.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia has established the first law museum in Indonesia, which chronicles the evolution of legal education and practice in the country. This museum not only honors the legacy of legal scholars but also educates visitors on the pivotal role the Faculty of Law has played in shaping Indonesia’s legal system.
In 2023, the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, introduced the Heritage Program, an exhibition open to the public and the UI academic community. This program showcases cultural and architectural heritage, fostering an appreciation for Indonesia’s historical architecture through engaging displays. The free access encourages broader community involvement, creating a space for learning, exploration, and the celebration of architectural heritage.
Together, these institutions at the Universitas Indonesia—whether focused on medicine, law, or general academic resources—demonstrate the university’s commitment to preserving history, fostering education, and promoting research across a wide range of disciplines. Visitors to these museums and libraries are offered a rich, immersive experience that deepens their understanding of Indonesia’s academic and professional history.
The UI City Forest offers a green sanctuary in the heart of the Universitas Indonesia’s (UI) Depok campus, providing students, faculty, and visitors with an opportunity to enjoy nature amidst their busy urban surroundings. This expansive green space is part of UI’s commitment to sustainability, serving as a vital area for environmental education, research, and recreation. The city forest supports various species of flora and fauna, making it an important ecosystem and a serene spot for reflection and outdoor activities.
The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UI) enhances this sustainable campus experience with its modern facilities and infrastructure. These include environmentally friendly buildings designed to foster a productive learning environment while minimizing environmental impact. FEB UI also actively promotes ventures and collaborations that align with sustainable practices, offering students and faculty the opportunity to engage in projects that support sustainability and environmental responsibility. In addition, as part of the Green Campus initiative, the Faculty of Medicine at UI inaugurated the FK UI Garden in April 2023.
UI’s green initiatives reflect its adherence to the principles of a green campus, as recognized by several sources. The integration of eco-friendly infrastructure, open green spaces, and sustainability-focused research and education efforts place UI among Indonesia’s top universities committed to creating a sustainable academic environment. These efforts are further exemplified by UI’s collaboration with international and local partners to advance sustainable development goals.
The Makara Art Center at the Universitas Indonesia (UI) serves as a dynamic space dedicated to the arts, offering exhibitions, performances, and cultural events that celebrate both traditional and contemporary art forms. Through its diverse gallery offerings, the center provides a platform for artists and the UI community to engage with and appreciate various artistic expressions. It plays a crucial role in nurturing the cultural life of the university and promoting the arts as a vital component of education and personal development.
In addition to its role in the arts, UI is actively involved in environmental and cultural preservation through initiatives like Sedekah Hutan UI 2023. This program combines efforts to conserve nature with cultural practices, highlighting UI’s commitment to both sustainability and the preservation of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. By fostering a connection between nature and culture, the university encourages community involvement in environmental stewardship and the celebration of traditional practices.
The UI Art Center’s Instagram page showcases a wide array of cultural events and artistic endeavors, including performances by Mahawaditra, UI’s student orchestra, and Kridabudaya, a traditional dance group that performs both locally and internationally. In 2023, Kridabudaya Universitas Indonesia held an exhibition in Spain to introduce regional dances. These groups, along with events such as the Jakarta Gamelan Festival reflect UI’s dedication to preserving and promoting Indonesian arts and culture, both on campus and beyond.
Further supporting its cultural mission, UI promotes local traditions through events like Tourism Day X Pelabuhan UI 2023, which highlights Betawi culture, among other Indonesian heritage practices. These activities reflect UI’s broader goals of fostering a deep appreciation for the arts while promoting environmental sustainability and cultural preservation in line with the university’s values. In 2023, the Vocational Education Program held the TRAYA Dance program, showcasing traditional Indonesian songs and dances. In addition, every year the Faculty of Economics and Business holds the Jazz Goes to Campus (JGTC) concert. The event features renowned singers from Indonesia.
Overall, UI’s artistic and cultural initiatives not only enrich the university community but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of Indonesia’s vibrant cultural heritage, offering students and the public meaningful ways to engage with the arts and the environment.
The Universitas Indonesia Library actively promotes cultural heritage preservation and social inclusion through its management of ancient manuscripts. With a collection that dates back to the 18th century, the library stores over 2,413 titles in various languages and scripts, showcasing Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and local wisdom. Key initiatives include the digitization of manuscripts, the “Knowledge-Based Industry” program, and public access to materials through platforms like LONTAR UI in flipbook and PDF formats.
To ensure optimal preservation, the library employs innovative methods such as acid-free storage, fumigation, and state-of-the-art security measures like dehumidifiers and digital hygro-thermometers. These efforts position the library not just as a knowledge depository but as a proactive center that supports community engagement, research, and cultural awareness. Through exhibitions, workshops, and public events, the library fosters a deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s cultural legacy and enhances public knowledge, aligning with the University’s goals of inclusivity and academic excellence.
The Universitas Indonesia’s Community Engagement Team (KEPMAS UI) is actively promoting the traditional performance art Jaranan Kidal as a potential tourism icon for Malang Regency, East Java. This initiative aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the region while boosting local tourism by showcasing the unique and vibrant art form of Jaranan Kidal, a traditional dance that combines elements of folklore, music, and performance. By collaborating with local communities, the team is working to elevate the status of this cultural tradition, turning it into a significant attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
Similarly, the transformation of the traditional performance Sampyong highlights another aspect of cultural preservation. Once perceived as a fearsome and intense ritual, Sampyong has undergone a transformation, rebranding its image into a captivating and accessible art form. This change not only preserves the cultural essence of the performance but also makes it more appealing to modern audiences, thus contributing to its sustainability and revival as a cultural icon.
In another cultural preservation effort, the Department of Architecture at UI organized the Excursion 2023 to Karo Land, focusing on preserving the traditional Siwaluh Jabu house. This iconic architectural structure represents the rich heritage of the Karo people in North Sumatra. Through this excursion, UI’s Architecture students and faculty are working to document and study traditional building techniques and cultural practices, ensuring that this significant part of Indonesia’s cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.
These initiatives reflect UI’s commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development, ensuring that Indonesia’s diverse and rich cultural heritage continues to thrive and attract global attention while benefiting local communities economically and socially.
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