Marunda Transforms Vacant Lot into Educational Park and Aviary

Local officials in Marunda, Cilincing Sub-agency, North Jakarta, have transformed a vacant lot into 'Taman Oranye,' a lush park and aviary designed as both a scenic green space and an educational hub for the community.

Our first aim was simply to clear the mess

Marunda Urban Village Head, Victor said, the new park and aviary were made to breathe life into a 500-square-meter idle plot.

"Our first aim was simply to clear the mess. However, the vision expanded through the ingenuity of our municipal workers. What began as basic landscaping grew into a pond and, ultimately, this sanctuary," he expressed, Wednesday (1/7).

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According to him, the park’s charm lies in its grassroots DIY approach. From scrap metal to discarded tires, nearly everything was built with recycled waste. Reclaimed tiles from a nearby apartment demolition were even used for the footpaths.

"This has been a true team effort. Our staff members contributed the flora and fauna themselves—including exotic birds donated by Satpol PP members and iguanas brought in by volunteers," he explained.

He continued, the park strikes a balance between beauty and utility, featuring a diverse harvest of vegetables and fruits. Among the crops are staples like corn and chilies alongside fresh produce like bok choy and melons.

Adding to its eco-friendly credentials, the park includes a rabbit farm that produces its own liquid organic fertilizer. The long-term vision is to transform the area into a premier agritourism spot and an open-air classroom.

"We want this to be a place where the community can master gardening techniques and pick up practical skills in home-scale construction," he explained.

In partnership with agricultural experts from the KPKP Agency, the urban village is treating the park as a testing ground for climate-adaptive farming. The study aims to pinpoint which plants can best withstand the local environment.

"We hope to eventually bring this lush landscape to our front gates. The idea is to transform a routine visit for administrative services into a welcoming experience that offers both education and recreation for the community," he hoped.

The action above received appreciation from one of the locals from RW 06, Marunda Urban Village, Nina (34).

"It’s a prime example of sustainable land use for Marunda. I’m incredibly proud to see this vacant lot reimagined as a vibrant, educational space," he stated.