Social Sustainability of Kampongs in the Transit-Oriented Development Area of Yogyakarta

Abstract

In many cities in South East Asian developing countries, informal settlements (also known as kampongs) exist in accordance with the development of the city centre. Support and mutual relations between the facilities and settlements have been studied by many researchers. At present, these relations have been brought into alignment with the rationale of transit oriented development (TOD), which emphasises the effectiveness of urban functions in optimising urban mobility in the surrounding area of a railway or bus station. The application of TOD started to be implemented in Tugu Railway Station of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The current investigation presents case studies of three kampongs, namely, Badran, Gandekan and Jogoyudan, all of which are within walking distance of the station. This study examines the relation between the inhabitants of the kampong and the Tugu Railway Station. The results show that most of the inhabitants who worked in informal sectors remain working in the surrounding areas although a new regulation and management system to formalise all the activities at the Tugu Railway Station based on the national policy established. It is found that the changes merely shifted the type of job, but not the location of the job, or even the area of living. The social engagement within the settlement is found to be an influential factor for this condition. This strong engagement could guarantee the sustainability of social relationships in each kampong and also support towards the success of TOD.