Jakarta's Future in Sustainable Housing | Indonesia | FES Asia

Summary

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, faces rapid urbanization and land subsidence, with predictions of sinking by 2050 due to climate change. Historical urban planning has been inconsistent, leading to informal settlements and inadequate housing for the vulnerable. The government is now engaging residents in developing areas like Kampung Akuarium, aiming for sustainable housing and green spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for better urban planning, emphasizing clean water, sanitation, and community participation in creating a healthier, more sustainable city.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Jakarta is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to a densely populated city with significant challenges.
• 🌊 The city is sinking at a rate of up to 7.8 cm per year due to excessive groundwater extraction and the intrusion of seawater.
• 🌡️ Climate change is exacerbating the problem, with rising sea levels threatening to submerge Jakarta by 2050.
• 🏛️ Historical urban planning in Jakarta has been inconsistent, with different approaches from colonial times to the present.
• 🏘️ There is a persistent dichotomy between formal and informal settlements, with informal areas often being overlooked in planning.
• 🌳 The high cost of land and land injustice have led to the neglect of housing needs and a lack of green spaces in the city.
• 🏡 The government is now actively involving residents in the development of areas previously deemed unsuitable for habitation, like Kampung Akuarium.
• 🌿 The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of proper housing and sanitation, with many Jakartans living in cramped conditions.
• 🚰 Clean water and sanitation are significant issues, with many water sources contaminated by household waste.
• 🌱 Only 14.9% of Jakarta is green open space, far below the ideal 30% for a healthy city.
• 🌳 The city needs better urban planning, with a focus on providing clean water, sanitation, and green spaces.
• 🏗️ Involving residents in the planning process is crucial for creating sustainable and healthy housing solutions.

Q & A

Why is Jakarta predicted to sink by 2050?

Jakarta is predicted to sink by 2050 due to rapid urbanization, excessive groundwater extraction, and the impact of global warming causing sea levels to rise.

What is the historical impact of urban planning in Jakarta?

Historical urban planning in Jakarta has been marked by a lack of continuity and a dichotomy between formal and informal structures, leading to issues such as land injustice and inadequate housing.

How does the informal sector affect Jakarta's urban planning?

The informal sector often leads to the occupation of vulnerable areas such as riverbanks and coastal areas, which are considered slums or illegal settlements, despite being a result of poor urban planning.

What is the Kampung Akuarium project in Jakarta?

Kampung Akuarium is a community development project in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, which began in August 2020, aiming to involve residents in transforming their neighborhoods into areas with green spaces and public facilities.

What is the significance of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to Jakarta's urban planning?

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of good and healthy urban planning, especially in densely populated areas, emphasizing the need for clean water, sanitation, and green spaces.

What is the current state of green spaces in Jakarta?

Jakarta currently has only 14.9% green open spaces, which is far below the ideal of at least 30% for a city.

How does the lack of proper housing affect the vulnerable groups in Jakarta?

The lack of proper housing affects vulnerable groups by forcing them to live in risky areas, often leading to poor living conditions and a lack of access to basic services.

What role does community participation play in Jakarta's urban development?

Community participation is crucial in Jakarta's urban development as it empowers residents, especially the economically weak, to be active decision-makers in improving their living conditions.

What are the key elements of sustainable urban planning for Jakarta?

Key elements of sustainable urban planning for Jakarta include providing good infrastructure, ensuring clean water and sanitation, creating green spaces, and integrating community participation.

How can Jakarta's urban planning be more ecologically friendly?

Jakarta's urban planning can be more ecologically friendly by focusing on sustainable policies, creating walkable neighborhoods, and reducing carbon footprints.

What is the 'five-minute walk' rule mentioned in the script?

The 'five-minute walk' rule is a guideline suggesting that all essential services and facilities should be within a five-minute walking distance to create a livable and sustainable city.