Preservation in a Changing Urban Landscape: Kampung Case Studies in Three of Jakarta Heritage Districts

Abstract

This thesis examines the intersection of urban heritage preservation and the transformation of kampung, Jakarta’s vernacular settlement form. Historically excluded from formal planning, kampung has played a key role in the city’s spatial and social development. Recent efforts to include some kampungs in designated heritage districts signal a shift in their perceived value. Using archival research, policy analysis, and case studies from Kota Tua, Menteng, and Kebayoran Baru, this study explores Jakarta’s preservation goals, policy shifts, and their impact on kampung’s spatial and social fabric. The findings reveal a gap between formal preservation strategies and the everyday practices that sustain kampung life. By emphasizing spatial features like alleyways and communal areas, the thesis calls for a more inclusive, community-centered approach to preservation. It offers policy insights for aligning heritage efforts with equitable urban development in Jakarta.