MARITIMEPOSTS.COM – The Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) program, led by Monash University in partnership with Universitas Hasanuddin, is delivering transformative change in some of Makassar’s most vulnerable communities.
By combining innovative water-sensitive infrastructure with community-driven planning, the program addresses long-standing challenges related to sanitation, wastewater management, flooding, and environmental degradation in informal settlements.
More than a conventional infrastructure project, RISE places residents at the center of the development process. Communities are actively involved in designing, implementing, and maintaining solutions tailored to their local needs.
This participatory approach has not only improved access to clean water and sanitation services but has also strengthened community ownership and resilience.
The program has already produced measurable and evidence-based improvements in public health and environmental conditions. Early findings indicate reductions in exposure to waterborne diseases, improved quality of local waterways, and healthier living environments for thousands of residents.
Researchers also anticipate long-term benefits that extend beyond health outcomes, including enhanced food security, greater economic opportunities, and stronger gender equality through improved access to essential services.
RISE has become an internationally recognized model for sustainable urban development, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can be effectively integrated into densely populated urban settlements.
The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between universities, governments, communities, and development partners in addressing complex urban challenges.
This global recognition was reinforced when the RISE program was selected as a finalist for the prestigious WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities, an international competition that celebrates innovative and scalable solutions to urban problems around the world.
The nomination places Makassar among a select group of cities showcasing pioneering approaches to sustainability, resilience, and inclusive development.
Congratulations to Munafri Arifuddin for accepting this recognition on behalf of the people of Makassar and for hosting an insightful roundtable discussion on scaling up RISE initiatives across the city.
His commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting evidence-based urban development has been instrumental in advancing the program’s vision.
As Makassar continues to grow as one of Eastern Indonesia’s most dynamic urban centers, initiatives such as RISE demonstrate how investment in community-led, environmentally sustainable infrastructure can create healthier, more equitable, and more resilient cities.
The success of the program offers valuable lessons not only for Indonesia but also for rapidly urbanizing regions across the globe seeking practical solutions to improve quality of life while protecting the environment.