The Privatization of Metropolitan Jakarta's (Jabodetabek) Urban Fringes

Abstract

Recent metropolitan development in developed countries is associated with “post-suburbia,” or a decline in population in the former central city and the growth of polycentric structures outside the traditional core. Current urban development in Asian cities, particularly in the Jakarta metropolitan region (Jabodetabek), also reflects an early stage of post-suburbia. We examine physical development patterns and the changing role of public and private sectors, although our approach is descriptive in nature. The rapid growth in fringe areas which have developed from dormitory communities into independent towns, triggered by privatization of industrial estates and multi-function new towns, shows typical post-suburban patterns. The national government’s pro-growth economic policies and the local autonomy granted to local governments have given the private sector the power to largely control the acquisition, development and management of land in fringe areas, accelerating post-suburban development patterns.