Tarumanagara University (Untar) has demonstrated its commitment to supporting national strategic programs through tangible contributions in the field of women’s and children’s protection and empowerment.
Untar, through its Bachelor of Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning programs under the coordination of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM Untar), has designed a prototype for Ruang Bersama Indonesia (RBI), or Indonesia’s Shared Space.
The project was officially launched on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at STIE Satya Dharma Singaraja Campus in Buleleng, Bali. It represents a cross-sector collaboration between STIE Satya Dharma Singaraja as host, Untar and the Tarumanagara Foundation as primary partners, with support from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), HIPPI Bali, Undiknas Study Center (PSU) Denpasar, and community leaders.
The RBI launch event was attended by the Deputy Minister of PPPA, Veronica Tan, who expressed appreciation for the multi-sector collaboration in developing the initiative. She stated that Ruang Bersama Indonesia serves as a collaborative center between communities and the government to identify needs and grow together through education, MSMEs, and social activities.
“I commend the initiative of Kendran Urban Village for realizing this concept through cooperation with experts, including real estate and architecture lecturers from Untar, who helped map strategic locations such as children’s playgrounds, sports areas, and other public facilities,” she said.
The RBI prototype was designed by a team of Untar lecturers: Maria Veronica Gandha, S.T., M.Arch., Regina Suryadjaja, S.T., M.T., Irene Syona, S.Ars., M.T., and Benny Suryadi, S.Ars. The design integrates local values of Tri Hita Karana and the philosophy of Menyama Braya, emphasizing a humanistic and inclusive approach to architecture and area planning.
Dr. Hetty Karunia Tunjungsari, S.E., M.Si., Head of LPPM Untar, highlighted the vital role of academics in addressing social issues through scientific and collaborative approaches.
“Academics are expected to contribute in various areas to help improve public welfare, support government programs, and collaborate with the private sector. Through the tri dharma of higher education, academic expertise can help create innovative and creative solutions to existing problems,” she stated.
The initial implementation of RBI took place in RT. 10 of Kendran Urban Village, which became a pioneer in community-based activities such as communal work (gotong royong), creative economic skill training for women, child-friendly ICT classes, and other cultural and educational initiatives.
This project aims to reduce violence against women and children, prevent child labor and early marriage, strengthen parenting systems and family literacy, support the national program for Women- and Child-Friendly Villages (DRPPA), and promote RBI replication as a national model across various regions in Indonesia.
Through this initiative, Untar continues to solidify its role as a solution-oriented higher education institution—committed not only to academic excellence but also to addressing social challenges directly and sustainably. (VA/AJ/YS)