After 19 years of its establishment, the department has become one of the leading planning schools, further proven by this international conference. It is our great honour specifically and ITS in general that this event is trusted upon us. We believe that this opportunity will increase our reputation in the eye of the international academia.

CITIES is an annual event, which this year is the 14^th conference. We believe that this conference has been and will be continously serves as a meeting platform for urban and regional planners, academia, practisioners and researchers from around the world. We also credit this conference to be one of the media for discuss and share current topics in urban and regional planning.

The Department of Urban and Regional Planning – ITS Surabaya aims to conduct research and education that is appropriate for the changing generation and support stakeholders, to improve the quality of urban, regional and community development. These improvements should be achieved not only by looking forward, but looking of the historical aspects of developments. Therefore,  the theme of this year’s conference is: Bridging The Past and The Future of Urban Landscape in Asia Pasific

I hope this conference will contribute to the development of cities and regions. Together with other academics, policy makers, practitioners and other stakeholders, we are ready to face challenges in the future and be part of a team to build a city that is better, more comfortable, and humane. I believe that this confrence is a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and information in many aspects.

Finally, let me wish you an enjoyable time in the Conference

Head of Department,

Urban and Regional Planning, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Cahyono Susetyo, PhD