Ordinary fragmentation: Network secession of urban centers in Jakarta

Abstract

Drawing from the literature on ‘premium networked spaces’, introduced in Graham and Marvin’s seminal work Splintering Urbanism in 2001, this paper argues that splintering or fragmentation of networks – and ultimately urban space – is constituted in so-called premium enclaves in Jakarta. Our study exemplifies that significant land acquisition and discretionary zoning policy contribute to the splintering of Jakarta’s urban space. This paper uses the TB Simatupang corridor in South Jakarta and Puri Indah CBD in West Jakarta to illustrate the interplay between urban planning and secessionary space production in high-profile economic districts. Lastly, this paper proposes the ‘ordinary fragmented network’ as the norm and expands the idea of the splintering of marginalized parts of the city to also incorporate areas within premium network spaces as part of splintering urbanism.