Addressing Jakarta's Green Space Shortage by Consolidating Private Green Areas

Green open space or RTH has an important function for the health of a city and its people. Although crucial, in Jakarta as well as other big cities in Indonesia, the provision of green open space is still not prioritized. No wonder, until now Jakarta still lacks green spaces.

The Spatial Planning Law states that green open space (RTH) is an elongated/lane and/or grouped area, the use of which is more open, where plants grow, both those that grow naturally and those that are deliberately planted.

From the definition alone, it is clear that the function of green open space is to maintain the ecological balance of the city with additional functions as a means of recreation, learning media, and noise reduction.

Law No. 26/2007 on Spatial Planning stipulates that the area of green open space is 30% of the total city area. The target is divided into 20% public green open space which is green land provided by the government, and 10% private green open space provided by the private sector. In reality, the total area of green open space in Jakarta until November 2021 only reached 9.2% of the city area.

Reasons why the 30% green open space target has not been achieved include limited land, the high cost of land, and the absence of sanctions for local governments that do not achieve the green open space target in their area. In fact, in Jakarta, every land that is built must provide green land that is not covered by concrete so that it can absorb water into the ground and also contribute to the greenery of the city.

The amount of green space that must be provided by each building depends on the Basic Green Coefficient or KDH, which is the percentage ratio between the area of all open space outside the building, to green open space, and land area.

For example, if the land area you have is 1000^{m2 and} the Green Base Coefficient in that location is 30%, then to find out the green land area that must be allocated, you simply multiply the land area by the Green Base Coefficient, which is 1000^{m2 x} 30% = 300^m2. This means that the area of green space that you are required to contribute to Jakarta's green open space is 300^m2.

Information on the Green Basic Coefficient (KDH) in each area in Jakarta can be accessed on the jakartasatu.jakarta.go.id website. On the site, the public and construction actors can also find information related to the Basic Building Coefficient (KDB), Building Floor Coefficient (KLB), and Basement Footprint Coefficient (KTB).

Now, despite the mandatory green space in Jakarta being regulated by the Green Basic Coefficient, Jakarta is nowhere near the target green open space. To achieve the 30% green open space target in Jakarta, government collaboration with the private sector is the deciding factor.

So far, every development undertaken by the private sector has provided green space at the site of their development. However, these green areas are not freely accessible to the public and their size is often insignificant.

Rather than forcing green areas on each building parcel, it would be more effective to consolidate or combine the green areas that the private sector is obligated to provide, and move them to a location designated by the local government. By doing this, the green open space provided will be larger and more beneficial for the citizens of Jakarta.

This consolidation of green areas can realize the green open space that is currently far from the reality of Jakarta residents. Just imagine, Jakarta could have a public green space like Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London. The existence of a city park of this class can certainly make Jakarta a healthier city for its citizens.

Then, for the city, green area consolidation can accomplish two things at once, namely ensuring the realization of quality green open spaces and providing an opportunity to improve urban planning. As for the landowner, green area consolidation allows for more optimal land utilization.

With the right policies, our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy a more beautiful and healthy Jakarta, and of course green open space that is no longer at 9.2% of the city area.

Here's to a better future for Jakarta!