Challenges to implementing the eco-city concept in Indonesia’s major cities

This paper calls for the need to take on board the rights of the individuals particularly their ability to input their views and concerns into the political process while implementing the eco-city concept in Indonesia’s major cities. The paper observes a tendency for state actors to collaborate with business interests to the total disregard of public or individual interests in the name of implementing eco-friendly projects. By examining the politics behind the use of open green spaces in Jakarta, Bandung and Malang, the paper shows that city administrations sometimes allow private businesses to gain access to the development of green spaces even though such actions go against planning regulations. There is a need to accommodate the voices of the less influential so that the benefits of eco-friendly projects can be more evenly distributed and not just confined to the rich and powerful.