Improving the Quality of Urban Lives through Public Art in Taman Suropati, Jakarta

A successful public space requires good infrastructures and atmosphere so that it can successfully invite and engage its users in various activities. The placement of public art in a city park may stimulate and invite active contacts rather than just passive observation, thereby promoting social interaction. The purpose of this study is to discuss the use public art as well as its role in improving social interaction in public space. The aesthetic quality in a work of art can transmit impulses resulting particular suggestions in human's imaginative life and even attract activities that in turn create a great public space that sustains stronger communities. As a case study is public art in Taman Suropati, Menteng, Jakarta, which is known as the first garden city in Indonesia. In 1984, six statues from six pioneer countries of ASEAN were placed in this garden. This garden functions not only as a green open space and a recreational area for nearby residents but also as a place for some art communities to meet and hold their activities. The phenomena of a park that enhances community's activities in Taman Suropati becomes the focus for the study especially how the idea of public art is initiated, sustained, and affected urban lives. This study also suggests some possibilities of improving urban life's quality by using public art located at public spaces as the medium.