LDE-BRIN Academy
Co-creating Knowledge for Sustainable Urban Futures in Indonesia
Urbanisation lies at the heart of many global sustainability challenges—and opportunities. Recognising the need for interdisciplinary approaches to tackle urban issues in Indonesia, Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Universities and the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) joined forces to organise two editions of the LDE-BRIN Academy in 2022 and 2023.
A Platform for Academic Collaboration and Capacity Building
The LDE-BRIN Academy served as a collaborative platform that brought together early-career researchers and PhD candidates from Indonesia and the Netherlands to co-create knowledge on sustainable urban development. By connecting academic talent across disciplines and institutions, the Academy fostered meaningful exchange and long-term partnerships.
Held in locations such as Tangerang Selatan, the Academy highlighted Indonesia’s pressing urban challenges—from climate resilience to digital governance and public health—and explored how academic research can contribute to more liveable and sustainable cities.
Themes and Activities
The academies focused on interdisciplinary and transnational dialogue across themes including:
- Smart Cities and Digital Governance
- Climate Adaptation and Resilience
- Urban Health and Sustainability
- Heritage and Inclusive Urban Development
The programmes included expert lectures, site visits, writing workshops, and peer review sessions. Participants were encouraged to develop and submit academic papers and case studies that explored urbanisation from multiple angles.
Outcomes and Legacy
The LDE-BRIN Academy contributed to joint research, scientific publications, and the establishment of new collaborative projects between LDE universities and Indonesian partners. It also helped strengthen the foundation for further institutional cooperation, including the formation of the INUCoST consortium in 2023.
While no new editions of the Academy are currently planned, the partnerships and research networks established during the programme continue to flourish. The Academy’s impact lives on through ongoing projects and shared ambitions to contribute to Indonesia’s sustainable urban future.
“We hope that the presence of LDE and BRIN can help advance the development of our city in a smart and sustainable direction.”
— Mayor Benyamin Davnie, Tangerang Selatan