TULUNGAGUNG – The Tulungagung Regency Government, in collaboration with the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MPWK) program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the Preliminary Report on the Tulungagung Urban Corridor Grand Design on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Bappeda Office. This meeting aimed to formulate the direction for sustainable aesthetic and functional development of street corridors by involving various stakeholders, ranging from technical agencies to historical communities and MSMEs. The involvement of the UGM expert team is expected to provide an applicable academic perspective to strengthen the regional character of Tulungagung.
During the forum, the UGM academic team provided critical notes on the importance of rediscovering the city’s authentic identity as a basis for branding. The UGM lecturers highlighted that Tulungagung historically has strong roots as the “Marble City,” a reputation already well-known in export markets; thus, this identity needs to be reinforced so that urban development remains consistent and rooted in real history. Beyond formulating a branding strategy, the expert team also emphasized the need for corridor mapping that is complementary rather than competitive, taking into account the carrying capacity and different operational hour scenarios suited to the character of each area.
Regarding socio-economic and infrastructure aspects, inputs from UGM academics focused on the arrangement of the informal sector or street vendors (PKL) to ensure good accessibility and visibility without sacrificing pedestrian rights or environmental cleanliness. Furthermore, the UGM team encouraged cross-sector integration to highlight the value of 135 Indische-style Cultural Heritage (CB) buildings along the main corridors. They suggested that the historical value of these buildings be highlighted visually as an educational medium for the younger generation, while simultaneously revitalizing physical activities within these historic districts.
The holistic preparation of this plan serves as a tangible realization of commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through efforts to preserve cultural heritage and provide inclusive public spaces for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children. The arrangement of the informal sector, which prioritizes accessibility, also aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting the competitiveness of local MSMEs. Finally, the collaboration between the local government and educational institutions strengthens SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), ensuring that urban transformation in Tulungagung is based on a synergy of expertise to achieve global sustainable development targets.
