Friday, 25 July 2025 – Atma Jaya Institute of Public Policy in collaboration with Center for Urban Studies Universitas Pembangunan Jaya have successfully held the public seminar “People-centered Policy: Applying Social Design to Social Research & Evidence-based Policy” at Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya, Semanggi. This event is attended by academics from various universities, researchers, and government officials.
Dr. Deng’s Presentation
As the keynote speaker, Dr. Jian-bang Deng an expert from Tamkang University, Taiwan, presented a comprehensive exploration on how social design can inform more humane and inclusive migration policies. Using data on migration flows before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Deng showcased how global and regional migration trends have shifted, along with the social and economic narratives surrounding them.
Dr. Deng emphasized that future policies must recognize migrants as agents of development, advocating for a shift toward people-centered migration policies that are built upon lived experiences, social realities, and dignity. These human-centered frameworks are essential for building resilient, diverse, and socially sustainable cities in the face of continued migration and urbanization.
Case Study
Following the presentation, participants engaged in a collaborative case study session, where they were divided into three groups. Each group explored real-life urban issues in Jakarta using a social design lens; identifying social patterns, problems, and proposing people-driven policy ideas.
The discussions ranged from public mobility challenges, accessibility of transportation, to waste management and other broader urban life issues in Jakarta. Using a quadrant-based mapping approach—measuring potential impact and level of uncertainty—each group identified pressing social issues and evaluated them based on feasibility and urgency.
This process allowed participants to prioritize problems that are not only high in impact but also manageable in terms of uncertainty. Based on these insights, groups developed preliminary policy recommendations grounded in social design principles, emphasizing participatory and human-centered approaches to improve urban living.
