Present At ARCH:ID 2025, Urbahn International Promotes Indonesian Architecture With Global Standards

Rafi Haikal presented an architectural project handled by Urbahn International. (IST)

JAKARTA Urbahn International was present at the ARCH:ID 2025 event which took place at ICE BSD Tangerang, 8 to 11 May 2025. With confidence, this architecture firm from New York carries local wisdom from Indonesia in this annual event. How come?

"ARCH:ID 2025 is a golden opportunity that should not be wasted. Indeed, Urbahn International is from New York, but for those in Indonesia we are indeed exploring the rich treasures of Indonesian architects," said Rafih Haikal President Commissioner Urbahn International when met at ICE BSD Tangerang, Friday 9 May.

As is known, ARCH:ID 2025 is an annual architectural forum and trade show organized by the Indonesian Architects Association (IAI). This event aims to bring together the main actors and stakeholders in the architectural industry and the fostered environment to gather, collaborate, and connect with each other.

In accordance with the spirit carried out, namely exploring the treasures of Indonesian architecture, Urbahn International this time presented the theme 'Connecting The Archipelago'. Through this theme, they want to present a design narrative that embraces Indonesia's diversity as the main inspiration.

According to Rafi Haikal, although they are rooted in Indonesia, the insights and standards that are promoted by the global class. In every work we present are always rooted in the realm of culture and art that develops in Indonesia. The architecture is also an Indonesian like myself and friends here, but in every work we produce, the standard is global or international," he said.

Under the leadership of Rafi Haikal, Urbahn International has developed into a home for Indonesian architectural talent who is committed to presenting world-class design works. With more than 90% of the team and ownership owned by the nation's sons and daughters, Urbahn International tries to answer the needs of today's architectural design with a strategic, sustainable, and culturally relevant approach.

So far, there have been several projects that have been and will be realized by Urbahn International in Indonesia. These include educational facilities, houses of worship, public infrastructure, commercial space, to the hospitality sector. Such as the University of Indonesia Mandiri (UIM) campus, National UIM School, Siti Zaenab Mosque in South Lampung, SportZ in Depok, and Mota House Boutique Hotel in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara.

All designs were created, developed with a humanist and contextual approach, which prioritizes functions, comfort, and long-term impacts for its users. With a collaborative spirit, we believe that every space, large or small, is a medium to create a meaningful and positive impact story," said Rafi Haikal, who is none other than the son of Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan.

Through architectural works that not only build space, but also unite vision and value, Rafi Haikal and the Urbahn International team continue to commit to presenting world-class designs from Indonesia.