Implementation and Strategies for Creating Green Open Spaces to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Rapid population and economic growth in Indonesia have led to a significant decline in air quality, exacerbated by a limited green open space (Ruang Terbuka Hijau or RTH) coverage of less than 30% for most cities, contributing to respiratory health issues. RTH is crucial for achieving SDG 11, sustainable cities and communities. However, implementing the RTH policy, mandated by Law number 26 of 2007 and amended by the Job Creation Omnibus Law, faces substantial challenges. This study aims to identify key obstacles hindering the RTH policy implementation in DKI Jakarta, South Tangerang City, Bandung City, and Surabaya. Through in-depth interviews with government officials and review of related literature, we explored the barriers to achieving the 30% RTH target. Preliminary findings indicate that several challenges contribute to this condition, including low awareness among both public officials and the public, the limitation and expense of available spaces, inadequate understanding of related regulations and their enforcement, and the absence of comprehensive RDTR documents for robust RTH master planning. This research also proposes actionable strategies to enhance RTH coverage at the provincial, district, and city levels, including reward and punishment mechanisms, increased public awareness, optimized spatial audits, strengthened law enforcement, improved interagency collaboration, and standardized RTH coverage calculations. Our findings are expected to inform the development of effective policies and strategies to increase RTH coverage, leading to improved air quality and overall urban sustainability in Indonesia.