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Marco Kusumawijaya

Director at Rujak Center for Urban Studies

Marco Kusumawijaya is a prominent Indonesian architect, urbanist, and activist, currently serving as the Founder and Director of the Rujak Center for Urban Studies (RCUS), an organization dedicated to addressing urban issues through a combination of research, community engagement, and policy advocacy. With over 20 years of experience in architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage, Kusumawijaya has significantly contributed to sustainable urbanism in Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta.12

Education and Background

Kusumawijaya holds a degree in architecture from Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Indonesia, and a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.1 His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive work in urban studies and planning.

Professional Experience

Throughout his career, Kusumawijaya has worked with various sectors including government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations such as the World Bank and UN-HABITAT. His work emphasizes community-based approaches and participatory democracy in urban development.13 He has also been involved in numerous projects aimed at improving housing conditions and urban infrastructure for marginalized communities, notably in post-tsunami Aceh where he coordinated reconstruction efforts.1

Kusumawijaya has authored several publications on architecture and urban issues, contributing to both academic journals and public discourse on sustainable city development. He is known for his engagement in arts as a means to explore urbanity and has served as the chair of the Jakarta Arts Council from 2006 to 2010.14

Current Focus

At RCUS, Kusumawijaya leads initiatives that integrate artistic practices with urban studies to foster social change and environmental sustainability. His recent projects include community action planning in Jakarta's kampungs (informal settlements) and advocating for housing rights through collective action.4 He continues to write extensively on urban issues while also designing innovative housing solutions that promote community ownership and ecological practices.4

In summary, Marco Kusumawijaya is a key figure in Indonesia's urban landscape, combining his expertise in architecture with a commitment to social justice and sustainable development.

Highlights

Marco - Mekong Cultural Hub
Marco - Mekong Cultural Hub
Marco Kusumawijaya | Jakarta, and Her Broken Metabolism

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Marco Kusumawijaya
Marco Kusumawijaya, photo 1
Marco Kusumawijaya, photo 2
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Location

Greater Jakarta Area, Indonesia