Models for Urban Transformation: Revitalizing Informal Settlements & Environments in Makassar
Listen to Dr. Tony Wong of Monash University share how Makassar is reimagining water, sanitation and health in informal settlements
Dr. Tony Wong of Monash University describes how the Revitalizing Informal Settlements and Environments (RISE) initiative has transformed water infrastructure and urban services in Makassar’s informal settlements. Around 40% of the city’s residents live in these communities, where unsafe water and frequent flooding pose daily risks to health and mobility.
Since its launch in 2018, RISE has implemented community-driven, nature-based solutions tailored to the physical, social, and environmental conditions of informal settlements. The initiative has directly provided upgraded infrastructure to 1,400 residents, with an additional 6,000 benefiting from cleaner environments and safer mobility. Beyond improving health outcomes, RISE has also influenced urban health governance in Makassar, offering an evidence-based and scalable model for upgrading informal settlements in other cities.
This presentation was recorded as part of the Hixon Center's 2026 Practitioner Workshop with the 2025-2026 WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities Finalists.