Surabaya – As urban mobility challenges continue to shape everyday life in Surabaya, issues such as traffic congestion, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and limited accessibility have encouraged a reliance on private vehicles while reducing opportunities for active transportation. These conditions raise an important question: how can cities encourage people to move more actively and sustainably?
To explore this issue, Planologic collaborated with WRI Indonesia and the Regional Development Planning, Research and Innovation Agency (Bappedalitbang) of Surabaya City in a public talk show titled “Active Mobility & 15-Minute City in the City of Heroes”, held as part of the Bersama di Jalan initiative at Wisma Jerman, Surabaya.
Active mobility and the 15-minute city
The discussion introduced the concept of active mobility—walking, cycling, and other forms of human-powered transportation—as an essential component of healthier, safer, and more sustainable cities. Participants also explored the 15-Minute City concept, an urban planning approach that aims to ensure residents can access essential services, workplaces, schools, public spaces, and daily necessities within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride from their homes.
Voices from the panel
The forum featured insights from Afrizal Ma'arif of WRI Indonesia, Ir. Irvan Wahyudrajad, M.MT., Head of Bappedalitbang Surabaya, as well as Ahimsa Fabiansa and Yanwa Evia J. M. from Planologic's Research and Studies Team. Together, they discussed the current mobility patterns in Surabaya, the challenges of promoting active transportation, and the opportunities to transform the city into a more people-oriented urban environment.
“Implementing the 15-Minute City is not merely about reducing travel distances, but about creating compact, connected, and inclusive neighborhoods.”
Beyond introducing international best practices, the discussion emphasized that implementing the 15-Minute City is not merely about reducing travel distances, but about creating compact, connected, and inclusive neighborhoods where public transport, pedestrian facilities, cycling infrastructure, and essential urban services are integrated into daily life.
A more accessible, livable Surabaya
Through this collaborative forum, Planologic reaffirmed its commitment to fostering public dialogue on sustainable urban development. By encouraging conversations on active mobility and human-centered planning, the event sought to inspire stakeholders and citizens alike to envision a Surabaya that is more accessible, livable, and resilient for everyone.