From green open space to green infrastructure: The potential of green open space optimization towards sustainable cities in Bekasi City & Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Urban growth dynamics have resulted an increase in population and rapid conversion of green open space (GOS) into built-up areas. Despite the minimum standard provision has been stated 30% on spatial regulation Law No 26/2007, Bekasi City Government has been struggling to preserve their remaining valuable green open spaces. This paper aims to propose a concept emphasizing the provision of green open space using green infrastructure by the linkages between green open spaces in the form of areas (hubs) which connected by a corridor (links). Built upon theoretical bases of the benefits of green open space that cannot be limited by administrative boundaries, the study uses Bekasi City and Bekasi Regency at the regional scale as a study case. This study calculated the potential area of green infrastructure and compared ecosystem services produced before and after the application of the concept. The result showed that the application of the Green Infrastructure concept has significantly increased the quantity (area) as well as the quality (ecological function) of green open space. An interconnected green open space was also able to enhance the ecosystem services by absorbing carbon dioxide. All of these potential benefits have implications on the Green Infrastructure development strategy to establish a more sustainable city.