THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN SUSTAINING TACTICAL URBANISM IN INDONESIAN KAMPUNGS

Abstract

In the Global South, Tactical Urbanism (TU) interventions are often confined to superficial changes within a specific area, failing to tackle the underlying structural and policy-related issues. This paper discusses TU as a survival mechanism and compares two cases, Kampung Warna-Warni Jodipan (KWJ, the Colourful Kampung) and Kampung Tridi. The study moves away from Western-centric models using a blend of Silva’s theory, Quality of Life (QoL) indicators and Social Network Analysis (SNA). The study found that the main focus for successful urban development is to improve the social relations between residents, instead of physical transformation. What stands out is the gender-inclusive and decentralised decision-making processes and participatory ‘Organic Resilience’ of KWJ with 81% citizen participation and 0.436 network density. By contrast, Kampung Tridi has suffered ecological problems because of its rigid, top-down hierarchical management style. To be effective in addressing local issues, TU initiatives need a paradigm shift toward a more institutionally integrated approach to co-production with planning regulations that are adaptive to local creativity.