UNS – The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) hosted a pre-event talk show titled “Ready for the 16th EASTS Conference 2025.” Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta organized the event in collaboration with the Surakarta City Government. The Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) of the Ministry of Transportation also provided support. The talk show took place during Car Free Day (CFD) on Sunday (23/2/2025). It was held in front of the Nonongan Bus Stop on Slamet Riyadi Street, Solo.
Several prominent figures attended the talk show. The attendees included the Vice Mayor of Surakarta, Astrid Widayani, S.S., S.E., MBA. Chairman of MTI, Tory Damantoro, S.T., M.Sc., MPPM, was also present. MTI Secretary-General, Dr. Ir. Haris Muhammadun, ATD, MM, IPU, participated in the event.
MTI Central Java Regional Chair, Bagus Hario Setiadji, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., also attended. He is a Transportation Infrastructure Expert from Universitas Diponegoro. Additionally, UNS Lecturer and Researcher, Ir. Budi Yulianto, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., was present.
This talk show marked the beginning of a series of events leading up to the 16th EASTS Conference 2025. The organizers themed the conference “Harnessing Local Wisdom and Green Technology to Build a Sustainable Transport Sector in East Asia.” They scheduled it for September 1–4, 2025. Nineteen countries will participate in the event, which will take place in Surakarta. UNS will serve as one of the main venues. This marks the second time Indonesia has hosted the biennial conference, following the 8th EASTS Conference in Surabaya in 2009.
Surakarta City Government’s Support
Vice Mayor Astrid Widayani expressed her excitement about Surakarta being selected as the host for this prestigious international event. She emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring the success of the conference. She also highlighted Solo’s dedication to showcasing its rich cultural heritage to the world.
“As part of the government, we are fully committed to supporting extraordinary events like the 16th EASTS Conference 2025. We also strive to ensure their success. This is just the first pre-event, and there will be more leading up to September. Since this is an international conference, we will provide full support. I am particularly proud to see collaborations with academics and experts. They will contribute not only insights but also practical solutions for improving public transportation in Surakarta,” she stated.
UNS Ready to Collaborate
Ir. Budi Yulianto highlighted the significance of this opportunity for UNS and Surakarta.
“Surakarta has a complex yet well-integrated transportation system. As one of Indonesia’s top universities, UNS can use this moment to innovate, collaborate, and work with various stakeholders. This includes not only theoretical transportation development but also practical implementation,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Tory Damantoro acknowledged the Surakarta City Government’s efforts in improving transportation. He pointed to innovations such as contra-flow traffic and the integration of railway lines with public roads. These advancements will be showcased to attendees of the 16th EASTS Conference 2025.
Dr. Haris Muhammadun further emphasized Solo’s role as a hub of transportation innovation.
“Solo’s tagline, ‘The Spirit of Java,’ reflects its drive for innovation, including in transportation. The arrival of delegates from East Asia is expected to strengthen Solo’s residents’ determination to advance the transportation sector. It will also inspire Indonesians in general to support this progress,” he said.
With diverse transportation options—from traditional to modern—Solo serves as a benchmark for urban mobility development. The city’s well-equipped infrastructure makes it an ideal location for transportation innovation. Additionally, the conference will create opportunities for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their crafts. It will also highlight their cultural heritage and culinary specialties. This will further elevate Solo’s recognition on the international stage.
Why Solo Was Chosen
Conference chairman Bagus Hario Setiadji explained the rationale behind selecting Solo as the host city. He also emphasized how the conference will contribute to transportation advancements in Surakarta.
“Indonesia is hosting the EASTS Conference for the second time, following the 2009 event in Surabaya. The organizers chose Solo because of its rapid transportation development, making it a fascinating case study. The city has introduced some unique innovations that are not yet found in other cities. Moreover, the conference will welcome experts from developed countries such as Japan and South Korea. By bringing together top transportation specialists, we hope to drive significant improvements in Solo’s transportation sector,” he concluded.
The government expects the 16th EASTS Conference 2025 to become a milestone in Southeast Asia’s transportation sector. This achievement will be possible with strong support from government institutions, academia, and industry leaders.
Government institutions, academia, and industry leaders are providing strong support to make the 16th EASTS Conference 2025 a milestone in Southeast Asia’s transportation sector.
The event will highlight Solo’s position as a forward-thinking city, reinforcing its role in sustainable and innovative urban mobility.
Humas UNS
