An investigation of socio-spatial equality in blue-green space at the Setu Babakan Area, Jakarta

Abstract

This research focuses on the dynamic interplay between blue-green public spaces, urban food environments, and cultural place branding in the Setu Babakan area of Jakarta, home to the Betawi Cultural Village. While the area functions as a multi-faceted public asset, encompassing both Green Open Space (GOS) and Blue Open Space (BOS), the actual utilization of these spaces reveals disparities. Employing mixed methods, this study aims to holistically capture the complexities surrounding utilizing Setu Babakan’s blue-green spaces from the vantage points of visitor perceptions, street vendors, and governmental policies. The study found that both visitors and street vendors were highlighting the need for equitable access to this vital public amenity. Factors such as accessibility and population density of vendors within the neighborhood area complicate the quest for socio-spatial equality. The presence of 6 (six) distinct types of warungs or street vendor stalls, which spontaneously emerge in the transitional zones between blue-green public spaces and private community lands, underscores the local government’s challenge in crafting policies that achieve legal and inclusive socio-spatial fairness. This study suggests that Setu Babakan embodies a unique confluence of cultural, social, and environmental values, offering a blueprint for how multifunctional public spaces can cater to diverse urban needs while fostering community well-being. As such, it calls for regulatory clarity, suggesting implementing formalized guidelines like temporary permits or designated zones to harmonize the competing demands of the informal economy and environmental sustainability.