Introduction to Indonesia

Abstract

This section gives a general introduction to Indonesia which is essential for understanding local strategies for coping with marginal settlements. The wider national development context and legal framework conditions influence in many ways the development of cities and urban policies. Three of the main questions are addressed in this section: What are the urban development trends in Indonesia? Which approaches and concrete policies concerning informal settlements are applied on a national level? What are the characteristics of marginal settlements in Indonesia? To begin with, a general introduction to the country including its administrative levels but focusing socio-economic framework conditions and disparities (economy, population, poverty, migration) is provided. Recent changes in the political system are briefly described, as the recent turnover to democracy and decentralization has led to massive consequences for Indonesian cities and the way they are governed. Second, the focus is laid on urban developments in Indonesia. Out of a historic perspective the evolvement and distribution of Indonesian cities is explained as well as their typical structure. Subsequently, an overview is given about the current stage of urbanization, population growth and development of slums. A last part focuses on the latest urban developments, particularly concerned with applied programmes and strategies relating to slum settlements.