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Rapid development in Depok takes heavy toll on green space
This year, Depok recorded 3,732 hectares of designated green space, or 18.63 percent of the city’s total 20,029 ha of land. The area has decreased significantly from the 10,106 hectares recorded in 2005 due to the city’s rapid development.
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The city forest is one of the decreasing patches of green in Depok, West Java. This year, Depok recorded 3,732 hectares of designated green space, or 18.63 percent of the city’s total 20,029 ha of land. The area has decreased significantly from the 10,106 hectares recorded in 2005 due to the city’s rapid development. (Shutterstock/JG ARIF WIBOWO)
Depok, West Java, has seen its green spaces shrink over the past years due to the city’s rapid development.
The administration recorded 3,732 hectares of designated green space, or 18.63 percent of the city’s total 20,029 ha of land.
The number is far below the 30 percent, or 6,008 ha, of green space required by the 2007 Spatial Planning Law, according to Alfred Sitorus from non-profit organization the RTH Movement (Green Spaces Movement).
“The lack of green space in Depok is a result of the massive amount of housing construction and other development. Developers are actually obligated to provide green spaces in parts of their plots. But are the developers providing the green space as required?” he asked during a discussion held in Depok on Monday.
According to the West Java official website jabarprov.go.id, Depok recorded 50 percent, or 10,106 ha, of its land as green space in 2005, 1 percent lower than in 2000.
Depok Public Housing and Public Works (PUPR) Spatial and Consumption Services Department head Putri Mirmasari said the percentage of green spaces in the city was 12 percent when privately owned spaces were excluded.
The administration plans to raise the city’s share of green space to 30 percent by 2032 in accordance with the 2012-2032 city spatial plan (RTRW), she said.
