Graduate / Statement Letter for University of Glasgow (City Planning & Real Estate Development MSc) [5]

Hi guys, would you mind reviewing my statement letter? it will be much appreciated. Thanks!

In Indonesian cities, most poor residents live in spontaneous informal settlements referred to as kampung. Kampungs are scattered throughout the city and have substandard infrastructure, small plots of land for each dwelling and low quality of building structure and materials. Most of the dwellings in kampungs are constructed gradually by the residents from permanent and non-permanent materials depending largely on what the residents can afford. Poor kampung residents are marginalized urban residents that push their way to occupy state land such as disposal sites, riverbanks, and railway tracks and private unoccupied land and illegally construct their dwellings.

Indonesia has been implementing three housing policies including self-help housing policy such as the Kampung Improvement Program (KIP), Community-based Housing Development (P2BPK) and Self-help Housing Assistance (BSPS); the PERUMNAS Program which is the national program for public housing development; and the cross subsidy housing policy. This post discusses all three housing policies and the transformation of Indonesia's housing policies after the fall of Suharto's authoritative regime. The discussion also includes the housing finance, the interplay of the state and the market in housing outcome and the extent to which the three housing policies have addressed the housing provision for the urban poor in Indonesia. As an Architect I have a massive responsibility within my hands to solve the occurring city planning and housing issues, especially the ones occurring in my country, Indonesia. As a developing country, Indonesia is struggling to face these problems. The previous solutions taken to solve these problems are usually reactive actions to tackle urgent problems, rather than creating a sustainable one. The lack of interdisciplinary approach in solving and mitigating these issues is the root cause of the endless environmental problem in Indonesia. The solutions taken are often using only finance-approach, rather than understanding that these problems need a wider point of view in science and social aspects as well. Moreover, there is an urgent need for sustainable design and strict implementation of the design.

As an Architect who was born and raised in the capital city of Indonesia, which is Jakarta, I understand the need for a proper and sustainable city planning and detailed real estate law, regulations, and policies which could bolster the development of equality in proper and formal dwellings, specifically for Indonesia's poor residents. Hence, I strongly believe that to tackle these problems, expanding my views on the solution is mandatory. I have to be able to implement the concept of spatial planning strategies and the bigger picture of real estate from the economic and process development point of views. University of Glasgow City Planning and Real Estate Development master program is exactly what i need since it offers broader knowledge on this area.

In the future, I want to work as an independent property developer, which will focus in green and sustainable design, not just the building, but the whole infrastructure itself must be integrated with the city rules, regulation, economy, and growth context. Targeting the low income residents, my utopia would be when equality in proper and formal housing is available and within reach to be purchased by the low income residents of Indonesia. I believe The City Planning and Real Estate Development course is perfectly suitable to provide me with theoretical and practical knowledge to understand the broader picture of this industry.

I had shown excellent performance in terms of academic and organizational skill in my undergraduate study. I also participated in Architecture Student Council, as the Vice Chief of Academic Division. Through this division we made lots of events to introduce architecture to general public, and also to help the students internally in terms of studying and choosing career path by inviting professionals from various related industries to hold seminars, talk shows, and workshops. Hence, I believe I have no difficulties in adapting and communicating with others.

After graduation, my only goal is to give my contribution to the society by wanting my design to be built immediately and be used by many, hence i decided to join my first company. I started my career in a small design firm, called M.A.D.D.. Here i learned how to handle clients, translating their needs and wants into the design, made construction drawing, choosing materials, and doing construction supervision. This firm specializes in commercial and retail spaces. I designed many cafes, restaurants, offices, and even apartment's show units. Interior design is a fast-paced field, in one year and three months of my tenure here, I had built many projects such as Ismaya Catering Co, Calais, Sudirman Residence, etc.

The reason i ended my tenure at M.A.D.D. was because i want my design to be able to reach more people, and i want to reach them in the more fundamental aspect of life, which is the human needs of dwelling. I decided to join PT Jaya Real Property, Tbk (JRP), situated in planning & development team of this property developer company, I acted as the senior architect for this company. I designed most of the new housings and small master plan in JRP. I also invited local and international firms to design larger scale of projects, gathering knowledge and perspectives from these firms was a valuable experience for me. It gave me deep satisfaction when i finally saw the cluster which i designed, dwelt by the people, and became a living organic space filled with activities.

Rationally, after having experiences in design firm and property developer companies, I tried to complete my experience by adding construction field into my resume. Currently I'm working at PT Arkadia Nusantara Mandiri (ANM) which specializes in housing and commercial projects construction. My role as Deputy Project Manager here is to manage the whole construction process from zero to done. Understanding design from construction perspective, gives me the edge on how to be practical, tactical, and yet accommodating to designers and clients.

In conclusion, my focus is contributing to the society by providing houses, not just for the privileged, but also the poor. I believe with my experiences in these three fields, combined with the interdisciplinary course content of City Planning and Real Estate Development master program will provide me with more edge in understanding the bigger picture of this industry and also, how to solve the issues correctly.

Yours Faithfully,

Putro Widodojati