Makassar – The Asia Resilient City (ARC) project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute Inc. (JSI) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is set to begin its activities in Makassar from October 2024-September 2027. The primary goal of ARC is to build resilient and adaptive cities that support dynamic growth and livable environments for communities facing the impacts of climate change. This project is being implemented in several cities across Asia. Makassar is the only city in Indonesia included in this initiative, alongside Rajkot (Republic of India), Khulna (People’s Republic of Bangladesh), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), and Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic). 

As the largest metropolitan area in eastern Indonesia, Makassar is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The ARC project will leverage the lessons learned and best practices from the Building Healthy Cities (BHC) initiative, which IOM implemented with USAID in the same city a few years ago, particularly on using system thinking to support climate adaptation.  

“Climate change is a global crisis that disproportionately impacts people living in poverty and those who are marginalized,” said Brian Dusza, Director of the USAID Indonesia Environment Office. "USAID is pleased to partner with the International Organization for Migration and the Makassar city government to increase Makassar’s resilience," he added. 

The ARC project has three main objectives: first, to improve the availability and quality of resilient infrastructure and services; second, to leverage economic growth; and third, to enhance capacity to address climate and environmental challenges. Additionally, ARC will empower and develop human resources within the city government, private sector, and civil society. 

"With the launch of the ARC program, Makassar is expected to become a model for other cities in Indonesia and Asia in achieving sustainable resilience. The synergy between the government, the public, and the private sector will continue to be encouraged to achieve this goal, ensuring that every step taken brings meaningful positive impacts on improving the quality of life and environmental protection," said Drs. Nur Kamarul Zaman, M.Si the Secretary of Local Development Agency (Bappeda), Makassar City. 

The launch was followed by a multi-sectoral workshop that brought together professionals involved in the previous BHC project, as well as those working in urban resilience, climate adaptation, and related fields. The focus of the workshop is to identify key challenges in Makassar, develop action plans, and explore strategies for systemic resilience. 

“IOM expresses its appreciation for the support of the Makassar City Government and other stakeholders for the ARC initiative and emphasizes the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in building urban resilience. We hope ARC will bring a positive impact to the city’s resilience and can be a model for other cities to replicate,” said Jeffrey Labovitz, Chief of Mission, IOM Indonesia. 

This three-years project will collaborate with the Makassar city government and various other stakeholders, conducting a range of activities at the community level. 

For further information, please contact: 

Ni Nyoman Anna Marthanti, Makassar City Manager, Tel: +62 821-9691-6207 Email: nmarthanti@iom.int

Ayunda Pratama, National Media & Communications Officer, Tel: +62 811 1219 913, Email: apratama@iom.int