THE STATE OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS IN DEVELOPING CITIES: CASE OF BANDUNG, INDONESIA

Abstract

Development controls are one of the most common urban planning tools for purpose of monitoring and supporting development in cities. Yet previous studies have revealed disturbing evidences indicating that most urban land policies in developing cities are counterproductive and often result in significant undesirable effects on social welfare and economic productivity. Therefore, fundamental rationale behind undertaking this research is to analyze the significance of development controls and its effectiveness with respect to the extent at which the regulations can sustain and promote urban growth, particularly in the context of developing cities. Using a Case Study of Ciumbuleuit Area in Bandung Indonesia, this paper aims to investigate the various planning issues relating to the poor state of developing controls found in the specific region. Many problems were identified from the site visits conducted as well as analysing various documents, such a planning approvals etc. Compliance to the regualtions are very poor, with many landowners have begun to develop their land sites as Hostel properties (commercial) even though the particular area of study is still clearly zoned as residential. Other issues include discrepancy between the actual development and the approved building plans, as well as ignorance of building codes such as setbacks. Bandung’s overall state of development controls is characterized with many problematic issues, which ranges from poorly coordinated urban management to insufficient public data and information. One of the few ways to absolve this is for the local authorities to adopt a more communicative planning as opposed to a top-down approach.