10.47313 The Colonial Roots of Power in Shaping Housing Policies and Urbanization in Jakarta Today

The Colonial Roots of Power in Shaping Housing Policies and Urbanization in Jakarta Today

Abstract

This essay examines the enduring effects of colonialism on housing power dynamics and
urbanization in Jakarta, formerly known as Batavia. This historical segregation has intensified
since Indonesia's independence in 1945, as rapid urbanization and migration have overwhelmed
urban infrastructure, leading to inadequate public services and environmental degradation.
Utilizing a literature review methodology, the research highlights how colonial urban planning
established a framework that favored European settlers, leading to significant social and spatial
disparities within the city. Key findings reveal that Indigenous populations were systematically
marginalized, forced into informal settlements, or kampung on the city's periphery, resulting in
entrenched socio-economic inequalities. The study also emphasizes contemporary issues such as
land subsidence and pollution, which are rooted in colonial governance practices and
exacerbated by modern administrative failures. Finally, the research underscores the necessity of
understanding Jakarta's colonial legacy to inform equitable housing policies and effectively
address the city’s current urban challenges, promoting social justice and sustainability for all
residents