Mixed-Use Residential Development, New Potential for Cities

Land in Jakarta is increasingly limited and expensive. Now apartments have adopted the mixed-use concept. A mixed-use building is a building that presents several functions in one area, for example, malls or offices at the bottom, while apartments are on top. It is time for the government to develop the mixed-use concept as one of the solutions to provide affordable housing in Jakarta.

Will residentialdevelopment in Jakarta in the future lead to mixed-usebuildings ?

The limited and high cost of land in Jakarta should not prevent residents from having affordable and decent housing in Jakarta. Mixed-use development is a way for the government to optimize land use to provide more housing for Jakartans.

Mixed-use buildings in Indonesia are generally private projects. Could the concept of mixed-usebuildings be applied to government-owned affordable housing projects?

Of course it is possible. Since the land is owned by the government, the main problem, namely land supply, is definitely solved. The government can implement the mixed-use concept on its land just as the private sector has developed many mixed-use buildings on its land.

What is the process to make the government's mixed-use concept for affordable housing a reality?

First, the government takes the initiative as a regulator. Then, there is an effort to bring together landowners (can be government / BUMD) and housing developers (BUMD / other government agencies / private). There is a common understanding between the two parties to realize affordable housing.

Second, planning for the implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable mixed-use concept. Not only the construction of mixed-use housing, but also the management and maintenance of housing after it is built, the determination of occupant segments, and policies that ensure residents can still pay rental rates. In essence, sustainability. The government must also continue to provide mixed-use residential rental options for people who cannot afford to buy.

Are there any examples of mixed-use buildings in the form of vertical housing on government land?

Rumah Susun Pasar Rumput in South Jakarta is a pioneering mixed-use building in the form of vertical housing built on government land. The lower part functions as a market and the upper part functions as residential. Increasing the function of the market into a mixed-use building can overcome the shortage of housing supply in Jakarta and stimulate the market economy. This mixed-use concept has the potential to be applied to other government lands because they are usually single-function.

How to make thismixed-useresidential concept sustainable?

For the concept of mixed-use housing in Indonesia to be sustainable, there must be policies and socialization that make people who live in vertical housing understand their rights and obligations. For example, residents must understand the obligation to pay routine management fees and maintain all facilities in the common area of a mixed-use building.

Will thismixed-useconcept be more environmentally friendly?

Yes, the application of this mixed-use concept is a more environmentally friendly option. Mixed-use development allows residents to use motorized vehicles minimally. This is because their needs ranging from work, shopping, and entertainment can be reached on foot. This means that less carbon footprint is generated during activities.