Currently one third of ASEAN’s population live in medium-sized cities (home to between 200,000 and 2 million people) but they contribute about two thirds of its gross domestic product. By 2025, it is predicted that the population living in medium-sized cities will double, making them the main engine for the region’s economic growth. As a result, rapid urbanization and its impact will create multidimensional challenges that will need immediate economic, social, environmental and institutional solutions. If not managed properly, issues such as congestion, waste disposal, pollution, security and safety, financial and physical infrastructures, including affordable housing, will make the cities a poor place to live in and subsequently lower their people’s quality of life. Climate change is another major issue confronting cities around the world, including Southeast Asi...

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.