An overview of slum upgrading programs in developing countries: Case study in Indonesia

Abstract

Many slum upgrading programs have been conducted globally, including in Indonesia. However, the research of those interventions is quite rare. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate slum upgrading programs, which has already had 10 editions in Indonesia since 1969. This evaluation was conducted to propose new guidelines to improve the Indonesia’s slum upgrading programs. The research uses a qualitative review narrative approach. The results show that the slum upgrading program has been modified throughout the 10 editions, which has contributed to better performance on the seven aspects, namely: (1) Locus, (2) Perspective of the programs’ object, (3) Unit of intervention, (4) Strategy, (5) Actors involved, (6) Qualification of the area, and (7) Paradigm of the program’s object subject. Based on the findings, a of new guidelines was proposed for the slum upgrading programs. This study’s have theoretical and practical implications, which provide empirical evidence of slum improvement programs such as progressive urban planning and can be implemented by adopting the principles of sustainable urban development that meet the needs of the present without jeopardizing the capabilities of future generations. This principle aligns the three economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects with the foundation of urban governance.