Gerak Jakarta: UPJ Hosts Book Review Event on the History of Jakarta’s Urban Development

Bintaro, South Tangerang 30/10/2024 - Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) held a book review of “Gerak Jakarta: A History of Living Spaces” in commemoration of Pembangunan Jaya University's 63rd Anniversary. The event, which was held at the Presidential Static Archives Study Center, National Archives Building of the Republic of Indonesia, aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the history and development of Jakarta's infrastructure from the 5th century to the present.  

The book “Jakarta Movement: A History of Living Spaces” consists of three volumes. The book tells the story of Jakarta's development, from the time of Sunda Kelapa, Batavia, to its transformation into a megapolitan today. The National Archives Building, as the venue, was chosen because it is a cultural heritage building on Jalan Gajah Mada that witnesses the history of Jakarta's development, as well as an important symbol of the spirit of preserving the city's collective memory.  

Ir. Yudi Samyudia Ph.D. Rector of Pembangunan Jaya University, stated, “This book review is an important momentum to raise awareness of the history and challenges facing Jakarta. Through collaboration between historical preservation and development innovation, we can find inclusive and sustainable solutions for the future of the city.”  

The book discussion raised two crucial issues facing Jakarta, namely water governance, as well as settlements and transportation. Two book reviewers discussed both aspects, Prof. M. Syahril B. Kusuma from Bandung Institute of Technology and Miya Irawati Ph.D. from Herb Faith Indonesia Engagement Center, Monash University. The event was hosted by Avianti Armand from the Indonesian Architecture Museum Foundation.  

According to the speakers, water governance issues, including flooding, raw water scarcity and land subsidence, can actually be mitigated through water storage or community reservoirs that can use government-owned lands, and for this, good coordination across departments or institutions is needed. “Solving water problems also needs to start with awareness - acknowledging and realizing the existence of the problem, and willingness - the willingness of the government to overcome the problem. Whatever the solution, it should not make it difficult for residents in the future.” Said Prof. Ir. Muhammad Syahril B. Kusuma, Ph.D from ITB, He also highlighted the importance of economically feasible investment must be pursued so as not to become a burden on the people.  

In the aspect of settlement and transportation, Dr. Miya Irawati from Monesh University Indonesia gave a discussion material that led to the problem of urban regeneration and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). TOD can be a solution to provide more effective and efficient housing for a more comfortable city, as long as there is monitoring and evaluation related to the regulation, management and balance of social and economic classes. “TOD development can also play a role in bringing people back into the city. The problem of land scarcity is actually rooted in the problem of coordination between land-owning government agencies or institutions that should be integrated to meet the housing needs of the people.” Said Dr. Miya Irawati.  

This book review is a discussion forum that produces various critical views and solutions to Jakarta's infrastructure problems. With the spirit of collaboration, Jakarta is expected to continue moving forward as an inclusive and sustainable city. Gerak Jakarta book can be accessed for free at http://gerakjakarta.upj.ac.id

This book review activity was also accompanied by the “Gerak Jakarta” book exhibition which took place at Bintaro Xchange Mall 2, South Tangerang, from October 18 to 27, 2024.  

Since its establishment in 1961, PT Pembangunan Jaya has played an important role in the development of Jakarta. PT Pembangunan Jaya continues to contribute in various significant infrastructure projects for Jakarta, such as the construction of toll roads, industrial estates, and other public facilities. The Pembangunan Jaya Group's commitment to the progress of Jakarta is also realized through the development of Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ). UPJ is positioned as an educational institution that focuses on the development of urban areas, with the aim of producing a generation that is able to make a real contribution to sustainable urban development