Building resilience has now become a priority aspect that cannot be overlooked. Focusing on this aspect not only ensures the longevity of a building impacting the cost-efficiency of maintenance and reconstruction but also serves as a key factor in establishing public trust regarding the quality of urban infrastructure.

Given the increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions in Jakarta and globally caused by the rising frequency of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, as well as the risk of human error—attention to material selection and construction design has become crucial.

Furthermore, considering the health threats posed by building materials such as Asbestos, which can disrupt the respiratory system, we must look beyond structural resilience. It is equally important to prioritize the selection of appropriate materials that ensure a high level of safety for the building's occupants.

Today, material resilience and selection, combined with structural safety, are the primary focus for engineers and architects in every project planning phase. In an interview session with a Civil Engineering Lecturer from Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA), Mr. Agung Sakti Meldian, S.T., M.T., we explored the concept of sustainable construction, which is currently a central issue in the perspective of Civil Engineering.

According to him, the modern concept of sustainable construction fundamentally focuses on how well a building can withstand natural disasters like earthquakes. Optimal results are achieved by applying design methods such as the "Cakar Ayam" (Chicken Claw foundation) or using dampers capable of absorbing earthquake shocks to strengthen the building frame, as well as mapping out effective drainage systems to manage excessive water accumulation.

He continued that, alongside the perspective of material resilience, we must also pay attention to efficiency. This applies not only to selecting cost-effective materials but also to choosing those that possess longevity and are friendly to both health and the surrounding environment.

“Development, especially in metropolitan areas, now refers to various dimensions. We must not only choose efficient materials, but we must also be astute in mapping strategic locations for our projects. Various considerations, ranging from soil quality to water conditions, must be addressed to maintain not only the trust of the building users but also the cost-effectiveness of managing the building,” he stated.

“Another thing we need to pay attention to is the selection of materials that are certainly not only good for health but also for environmental sustainability. The utilization of materials like Asbestos and Lead can have a negative impact on health. Therefore, we are shifting to alternative materials that are not only eco-friendly but have tested resilience, such as Hebel (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) and Recycled Steel,” he continued.

Mr. Agung Sakti then added that in improving building resilience, we also need to carefully consider the quality of life within the construction concept.

“In metropolitan areas, where the risk of power outages and infrastructure disruptions still exists, and energy consumption levels are very high, we must consider the concepts of passive design and energy efficiency. This means buildings must be designed to maximize natural lighting and good air circulation. This not only reduces reliance on electricity and air conditioning but also creates a healthier and more comfortable dwelling amidst the density of the city,” he concluded.

Construction development is truly not just an art of aesthetics; the safety and security of building users are also mandatory focuses for every Civil Expert, especially given the potential for disasters that frequently strike metropolitan cities.

With the increasing need for competent Civil experts, the future prospects of the Civil Engineering profession will continue to rise. Answering these challenges and needs, Civil Engineering at Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) equips students with various theories and comprehensive practical work related to structural and material resilience through concentrations in Construction Implementation Methods and Environmental Impact Analysis.

UNDIRA is committed to shaping future professionals who are competent in designing high-quality construction in the years to come.