Berlin Delegation Appreciates Jakarta for Procurement of Inclusive Housing

The delegations from Berlin and Bangkok visited the Kampung Susun Akuarium (vertical village) in Penjaringan, North Jakarta today, Monday (8/29).

This is a very good example to involve the community, which can be a way to a more inclusive city

At that time, they were introduced that the Jakarta Capital City Government continued to provide justice and opportunities for Jakarta residents to get quality housing. It is realized by improving the quality of residential areas through village revitalization in various areas, one of which is Kampung Susun Akuarium.

They listened to explanations about the history and process of building the Kampung Susun Akuarium and also visited the building's units and facilities which were inaugurated on August 17, 2021.

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State of Berlin Delegate to the Federation and Permanent Secretary for Active Citizenship, Democracy Support, and International Relations, Ana-Maria Trasnea admitted that she was happy that the Berlin City Government could learn from Jakarta's experience through the visit.

The bilateral relationship between Berlin and Jakarta shows that cooperation can make people's lives better. She also felt impressed to see the persistence of the residents in fighting for their rights and basic needs.

"Because housing is a human right. I'm proud that the government is trying to facilitate all of this and support its people. This is a very good example to involve the community, which can be a way to a more inclusive city,” she expressed, at the location, Monday (8/29).

The delegations also received a welcome from local dance performances from the children of Kampung Susun Akuarium. Those children performed Betawi and West Sumatra dances.

"This welcome was impressive and colorful. Feel very happy that they showed us these dances and I wish them all the best. Thank you for inviting us," she added.

Jakarta Smart City BLUD Head Yudistira uttered that the visit was a series of peer-to-peer meetings between Jakarta, Berlin, and Bangkok in a bid to introduce the Smart City concept developed in Jakarta.

Thus far, the Kampung Susun Akuarium construction has used a Community Action Plan approach involving legal and housing experts to help formulate management and utilization schemes according to the needs of the residents. Its residents also shared input on the design of the residence.

"This visit indicates that talking about the smart city concept is focused on the community. Its development involved the community. They also share ideas in designing this Kampung Akuarium according to their own needs," he explained.

As for the information, its existence in Jakarta played several key roles socially, economically, and culturally to support the city. Each village that is built represents a certain history, social, and culture embedded in the history of Jakarta. That is why the Kampung Susun Akuarium must be preserved.

The village design is made by showing the original characteristics of the Kampung Susun Akuarium. It still prioritizes community space for social interaction on every floor. Then the level is separated to open up neighbor interaction between floors, the height of the mid-rise building is to maintain community cohesiveness and the ground floor is for community activities and facilities.

In the future, the community economic activity plans will also be presented. Some of the potentials that can support this activity include culinary, traditional fish processing, local culture, urban farming, boat tours, religious tourism, cultural areas, close to the Kota Tua (Old City), and Kali Ciliwung Children's Community.

"We want to share how Jakarta provides inclusiveness, especially in providing housing to the community. This is because we see that this housing is one of the basic services that the government must provide," he closed.