We are already halfway through the year 2024, but despite the changing times, many Jakarta residents are still struggling to have decent homes.
Jakarta, as the economic centre of Indonesia, is home to more than 10 million people. Many people migrate to Jakarta in search of work and better opportunities, causing a drastic increase in population in the metropolitan city.
However, this increase in population is not directly proportional to the area of Jakarta itself. As a result, Jakarta has become very congested, leading to high property prices, such as houses and apartments. Residents who do not have enough money are forced to live in slum areas to buy cheap houses, one of which is housing in narrow alleys.
The houses in these narrow alleys have unique characteristics in terms of area, design, and the challenges faced by their residents. The following is a description of housing in narrow alleys in Jakarta:
Area and Spatial Layout
Houses in narrow alleys in Jakarta generally have limited space. Most of the houses in this area have an area of no more than 30 square metres. These houses often consist of two floors to maximise the use of limited space. On the first floor, there is usually a living room, kitchen, and bathroom, while the second floor is used for bedrooms. In some cases, a third floor is added for additional rooms or storage space.
Due to the very narrow area, most houses in these narrow alleys have a living room that also functions as a kitchen and dining room. Activities in the house are generally carried out in this one room. The bathroom is usually placed next to or behind the main room, and it is not uncommon for this main room to directly face the bathroom. Residents with motorbikes usually put their motorbikes into the living room because there is no parking space in front of their house, further narrowing the size of the living room.
House Design
House designs in narrow alleys in Jakarta tend to be small and simple. The interior of a house is generally only a plot of land measuring three square metres. The floor of the house is made of ceramic or concrete, the ceiling is made of plywood, and a small wooden staircase connects the first and second floors. House exteriors are usually dominated by durable building materials such as concrete and brick, and some houses do not paint their walls to save costs.
Due to their limited location, houses in narrow alleys are often directly adjacent to neighbouring houses without any separation. These houses must adapt to the width of the road in front of them, which can be very narrow, sometimes only large enough for a motorbike to pass or even only passable by pedestrians. Because of this, the facade of the house is usually kept simple and directly faces the road. The main door often opens directly into the living room, without a front yard or other open space.
Regarding ventilation and lighting, many houses only have windows at the front and back or even only on one side. To overcome this, some houses are equipped with additional ventilation in the roof or side walls facing the alley.
Disadvantages of Living in a Narrow Alley
Living in a narrow alley has several challenges that often make daily life less comfortable. Here are some of the main drawbacks:
- Limited Access: Narrow alleys can often only be passed by pedestrians or one motorbike, making it impossible for four-wheeled vehicles to enter. This makes it difficult in emergencies or when you need a car for certain purposes, such as moving or carrying large amounts of goods;
- Limited Ventilation and Lighting: As mentioned previously, ventilation and lighting in these houses are very minimal. Lack of airflow can cause the house to feel stuffy and damp, while lack of natural light can make the house feel dark and gloomy;
- Noise and Privacy: Narrow alleys mean that houses are very close together, so noise from neighbours can be a problem. Apart from that, privacy is often lacking because sounds and activities from inside the house can be heard clearly outside;
- Cleanliness and Sanitation: Due to population density and limited space, waste management is less than optimal. Rubbish trucks cannot reach this area, so rubbish often piles up around people’s houses. This unhygienic environment can cause diseases, such as diarrhoea, dengue fever, and malaria;
- Security: Narrow and densely populated alleys are also often placing prone to crime. Difficult access for large vehicles such as police cars or fire engines also makes this area vulnerable to emergencies.
Houses in Jakarta’s narrow alleys reflect the reality of urban life with all its challenges and limitations. Various deficiencies such as limited access, ventilation problems, noise, cleanliness, and security remain major challenges, especially for the residents. With a better understanding of this condition, it is hoped that there will be corrective steps to improve the quality of life for residents living in narrow alleys in Jakarta.