Land titling, perceived tenure security, and housing consolidation in the kampongs of Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract

In an effort to improve slums and reduce poverty, many developing countries have embarked on mass land titling programs. Yet empirical evidence supporting their assumed beneficial effects has not been readily forthcoming. Following the implementation of mass titling programs in Indonesia, this paper empirically examines the relationships between land titling, perceptions of tenure security, and housing consolidation in seven kampongs in the city of Bandung. It presents evidence that titling indeed contributed–albeit modestly–to people's perceptions of tenure security, and that both land titling and perceived tenure security enhance housing consolidation; but also that the relationship is more problematic than is often assumed. The results put into doubt whether titling programs in urban Indonesia are actually benefiting the right group, as those who would be best served by the programs can rarely participate in them.