Head Of Bappenas Says City Development In Indonesia Is Not Based On Master Plan

Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa stated that cities in Indonesia do not have a clear (amorphous) form.

I think these cities in Indonesia are amorphous. The cities have no shape. If there is a guitar, there is a form, Spanish guitar, right or electric guitar has its shape. Our cities are getting more and more crowded and the higher the mobility of the population there, he is getting more amorphous," said Suharso as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, June 13.

With amorphous cities, the construction of a city is no longer based on a master plan, but based on economic or commercial pressures.

In the 1980s, Suharso told of his meeting with property entrepreneur Ciputra who wanted to build Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) City into a green city.

"But, 1997-1998 when the Indonesian economy was disrupted, then (the majority of shares) of BSD ( bought by other companies), I could feel what had changed, far from his wish (Ciputra)," said Suharso. Likewise, the Pondok Indah area which was built by Ciputra is considered to have been amorphous after being managed by the entrepreneur.

"After moving from Mr. Ci (Ciputra) it was not clear, the shape of the waist was where I didn't understand it. The guitar has a waist, a curve, so the curve is no longer visible," said the Minister of VAT.

Therefore, if every university has a concern to build a green city, then various cities in Indonesia will be even better.

This means that universities in their respective regions can be involved in any preparation of a master plan for the development of cities/districts by prioritizing the principles of SDGs.

That way, the achievement of the SDGs targets is realized more quickly, given the public participation and involvement of other stakeholders in the city development process.

Suharso considers that efforts to build cities are in line with SDGs 11, namely making cities and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

"If universities, which have architects at least, in all cities in Indonesia have concerns like this, in my opinion, our cities are so beautiful, good, delicious, and from one city to the city there are themes. So, not all cities have to resemble 'Jakarta'," he said.