ULM Academics Emphasize Technical and Environmental Studies in Planned International Stadium Development in South Kalimantan
Banjarbaru – The South Kalimantan Provincial Government’s plan to build an international-standard stadium with an investment of approximately IDR 1 trillion has received serious attention from various groups, including academics from Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM). ULM urban planning observer, Dr. Eng. Akbar Rahman, S.T., M.T., believes the project has the potential to boost regional development and improve the quality of public spaces, but must be supported by comprehensive technical and environmental studies from the initial stages.
The South Kalimantan Provincial Government, through the Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Department, is currently finalizing preparations for the stadium’s construction, which is planned to be built on approximately 29 hectares of land. The Kilometer 17 area of Banjarbaru is one of the alternative locations being studied, with the development target included in the regional priority program for the 2025–2030 period.
In a review published in the December 4, 2025, edition of Radar Banjarmasin, Akbar Rahman emphasized that, in principle, building a large-scale stadium is not technically impossible. However, the characteristics of the land in South Kalimantan, particularly in the northern area of Banjarbaru, require careful and scientifically data-based planning.
According to this lecturer in the Architecture Study Program, Faculty of Engineering ULM, there are several crucial aspects that require primary attention. First, soil conditions must be thoroughly examined through geological and geotechnical studies. Stadiums are structures with heavy loads, so the risk of soft soil or thick peat layers must be anticipated from the outset to prevent structural problems later.
The second aspect highlighted is flood mitigation and the drainage system. Akbar assessed that the planned location has the potential for seasonal flooding, so hydrological analysis and large-capacity drainage planning are absolutely necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of stadium users.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of improving accessibility and the transportation system. The North Ring Road, as the main access to the site, needs to be prepared to accommodate the surge in vehicle traffic during large-scale events. Providing alternative routes and adequate parking areas is an integral part of stadium area planning.
Akbar also emphasized the need for basic utilities and complete environmental documentation, including an Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL). The availability of clean water, electricity, and telecommunications networks must be planned early on, considering that the stadium is a public space with complex operational needs.
From an environmental perspective, the ULM academic emphasized the importance of maintaining protected areas around the construction site. He stated that protected areas play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance, particularly peat ecosystems, and therefore should not be expanded without thorough studies and strict licensing mechanisms.
“Stadium development must be based on comprehensive, transparent, and accountable studies. The goal is to ensure that the stadium is truly feasible, safe, efficient, and does not create environmental and fiscal burdens in the future,” Akbar emphasized.
Through this academic perspective, Lambung Mangkurat University once again demonstrates its strategic role in contributing scientific knowledge to regional development. The expertise of ULM lecturers is expected to serve as a reference in public policymaking, particularly to ensure that major infrastructure development in South Kalimantan is sustainable and based on sound planning.
