Mind the gap: revitalizing action planning through social networks in Yogyakarta

Abstract

Against the backdrop of increasingly complex urban systems, grassroot communities in cities are rolling out small-scale initiatives as a way to address contemporary urban problems. However, the initiatives are not always in line with the formal planning conducted by the government. This study aims to investigate the interaction between the government and grassroots actors under the context of self-governed grassroots initiatives by using the ‘Marginal School Community’ social network structure in Yogyakarta as an example case. Using social network analysis with 77 actors entailed in the community’s activities, this study shows an alternative interaction between the government and the grassroots within an action planning process. The paper reflects on these examples and suggests an alternative way that cities may be planned and governed in the future, adopting a more grassroots-based planning approach based on collaboration, negotiation and mutuality.