Jembatan Besi, Jakarta, Indonesia

?

Socio-Economic

  • People live in slums like Jembatan Besi as the demand for affordable housing greatly exceds the supply.
  • Neither government nor private sector has the resources to cope with the increase in demand to live in Jakarta.
  • People don't have the resources to afford more expensive housing.
  • Average income is $4 per day- for many not regular income.
  • Employment often insecure - provide unskilled and casual labour.
  • Much self employment - family run small businesses selling food or second hand goods.
  • Even formal jobs have little security.
  • Signifcant garmant industry.
  • Little protection for those working in factories as well as health concerns
  • Health is a major concern.
  • Few homes have toilets - toilets in slum and tend to flush into open sewars.
  • No Clean Running Water.
  • Water pumps likely to be highly polluted.
  • Water borne disease epidemics common.
  • Tropicalhot and humid climate- malaria is an issue.
1 of 5

Socio-Economic

  • Young and elderly are at risk of dehydration due to diarrhoea from poor hygiene.
  • Air pollution is very high - kerosene is used to cook and high emissions are a health risk.
  • Nutrition is rice with little protein, fruit or vegetables.
  • Most schools are poorly equipped - families need children to earn money before formal education is completed.
2 of 5

Housing

  • One of Indonesia's most densely populated areas.
  • Most homes consist of well built ground floor of timber and brick.
  • Pressures on space grown- extra stories added.
  • Construction increasingly makeshift with height.
  • Fire is a constant risk due to overcrowding, poor electrical wiring and kerosene use.
  • Narrow alleys and tall buildings - no direct sunlight
  • Lighting is neon tubes and bare bulbs
3 of 5

Future?

  • Slums such as Jembatan Besi are not disappearing in the near future.
  • Urban authorities are trying to make inroads in the worst areas but planning is difficult.
  • Planned improvements from Jakarta housing and administrative buildings agency to 392 community units.
  • Rebuilding requires slum clearance - makes other slums worse due to relocations.
  • Ci Liwung river slums are notorius for poor living conditions.
  • Strong sense of community.
  • Resilient Residents. 
4 of 5

Figures

  • Average Income (Per annum): $12,754
  • Life Expectancy: 69 years
  • Educational Attainment (% degrees per 1000 people): 11%
  • Ethnicity (% non-native): 6%
  • Access to broadband (% per 1000 people): 71%
  • Average house prices: $160,000
5 of 5

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Geography resources:

See all Geography resources »See all Case studies resources »