Discussions about Palestine are often centered on armed conflict, diplomacy, and humanitarian crises. Yet one important dimension frequently remains overlooked: the role of space and urban planning in shaping the realities of conflict. Driven by this perspective, Planologic, in collaboration with the Indonesian Planning Students Association (IMPI) and Dompet Dhuafa, organized a webinar titled “Palestine in the Crossroads of Planning: Spatial Planning, Conflict, and Humanity” on May 25, 2025.
For Planologic, the Palestinian issue is not only relevant to humanitarian practitioners or political observers, but also to students and professionals in urban and regional planning. Space is never neutral. Every planning decision influences who has access to housing, public spaces, mobility, essential services, and ultimately, the opportunity to live with dignity.
Spatial justice as a lens
Through this webinar, Planologic sought to introduce the concept of spatial justice as a critical lens for understanding conflict. Across many parts of the world, spatial inequality is not merely the result of uneven development—it can also emerge from policies that systematically restrict communities' access to land, infrastructure, and public space.
“In situations of prolonged conflict, space itself can become an instrument that shapes security, freedom of movement, quality of life, and even the survival of entire communities.”
This perspective formed the core message of the discussion. The case of Palestine demonstrates that urban planning extends far beyond designing cities or providing infrastructure. In situations of prolonged conflict, space itself can become an instrument that shapes security, freedom of movement, quality of life, and even the survival of entire communities.
Why this matters to planners
Planologic believes that future planners must develop a broader understanding of global challenges. Urban and regional planners are expected not only to produce technically sound plans, but also to uphold the principles of equity, inclusivity, and humanity that should underpin every planning decision.
By creating forums such as this, Planologic aims to encourage students to recognize that planning plays a vital role in addressing contemporary global issues from conflict and humanitarian crises to climate change and social inequality. Planning is ultimately not just about shaping places; it is about ensuring that those places protect people's rights, foster resilience, and create opportunities for all.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, Planologic remains committed to facilitating discussions that connect planning knowledge with real-world challenges at both local and global scales. The planners of tomorrow will need more than technical expertise—they will need empathy, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to advancing spatial justice through planning.