The Palu Perspective: What My Hometown Taught Me About Resilience and Planning

Growing up in Palu, Central Sulawesi, means growing up with a landscape that is both breathtaking and humbling. Surrounded by mountains and the deep blue of the bay, I learned early on that geography is destiny. But more importantly, I learned that resilience is not just a buzzword in a textbook — it is a way of life.

In Urban Planning, we often talk about “Resilient Cities” — the ability of an urban system to absorb shocks and rebuild. For the world, this is a theory. For us in Palu, it is our history.

Witnessing how my city heals and how its people refuse to give up has deeply influenced my academic journey. It is the reason why I don’t just see maps as lines and zones; I see them as the veins of a living, breathing community. It taught me that a good plan is not one that looks perfect on paper, but one that can withstand the unexpected.

This “Palu Perspective” is what I carry into every classroom and every assignment. It’s a reminder that when my mind feels “ruwet” or when expectations feel heavy, I have the DNA of a survivor. If my city can find its footing again, then so can I.

Being a “Matcha Planner” from Palu means balancing that inner stillness with the grit of a place that knows how to rise. We are planned by our experiences, but we are designed by our courage.

About the Author: > I am a dreamer, a student of Urban and Regional Planning, and a firm believer that every city — and every soul — needs a “Green Belt.” Through my lens as The Matcha Planner, I explore the intersection of spatial design, productivity, and the quiet ritual of a perfect brew. When I’m not staring at maps or Level 100 of Onet, you can find me in a cozy corner of Palu, sipping a Sakura Matcha and planning my next oasis.