The Forgotten Middle Class

The middle class contributes to the development of the city with all the economic activities they do. Unfortunately, they still have to struggle to get basic services from the city.

Cities should be able to ensure the welfare of their citizens starting from the simplest level. Housing, access to health, education, and decent employment are the main capital to pioneer a better life and economy. These four points are reflected in the livable city variables based on Livability.com (an urban website from the United States). In addition to these four points, this site also mentions several other points, such as facilities, demographics, social and community capital, as well as transportation and infrastructure.

These points are considered the building blocks of city sustainability and are used as parameters to rank the 100 most livable cities in the US. Each point is interrelated to the other. For example, without proper facilities, healthy economic activity is not possible. A strong economy, on the other hand, determines the city's ability to invest in facilities, infrastructure, education, and health services for its citizens.

Donating but neglected

Unfortunately, to this day, the capital city still struggles to create a comfortable life for its residents. Especially, for those who are not wealthy. In fact, Jakarta still bears the difference in housing shortages of 1,276,424 units from the results of the 2015 data collection. In fact, housing is a very basic need. The limitations of this city-building element are felt by all citizens who live in it, including the middle class.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB, 2010), the middle class is the group that has a daily per capita expenditure of US$2 - US$20. If converted into the rupiah exchange rate, the minimum expenditure is equivalent to IDR 850,000 per month. Referring to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics in August 2019, there were 88.68% of DKI Jakarta residents who fell into this group and could then be referred to as the capital's middle class group.

The middle class is considered capable of contributing health contributions, taxes, and various levies to the regional expenditure budget. This economic independence should not make them escape from optimal services by the government. In fact, the participation paid by the middle class should be able to provide reciprocity in the form of decent public facilities. For example, smooth roads, clean and beautiful green open spaces, and reliable modes of transportation.

Strong economy determines city services

Meanwhile in Jakarta, the city's livability points are still experiencing their own dynamics. On the health service line, the Social Security Organizing Agency (BPJS) has been present to alleviate medical expenses in accordance with the provisions. This service has been running since 2014, although it has recently attracted controversy around the debt it carries. The transportation network is now undergoing rapid development with the integration of Jak-Lingko and TransJakarta, as well as the operation of the MRT and LRT. This development is inseparable from all the intricacies that come with it, such as congestion issues and lane adjustments on the highway.

Even if the livability factor is taken care of, the government's role does not stop there. After their basic needs are met, city dwellers also need space for creativity and expression. Adequate public space is still a homework assignment for the Jakarta government. All these facilities should be covered by stakeholders so that they are always maintained and affordable for everyone, including the middle class. A well-functioning city is a fundamental need for all levels of society. No exception for the middle class, which contributes great energy in driving the wheels of the country's economy.