Politics of Housing: Prospects for right to the city in Jakarta

Using the case study of Jakarta, this exploratory paper seeks to understand the extent to which changing state-society relations help the marginalised claim their right to the city. It argues that everyday level state-society interactions between citizens, NGOs, and state actors, informed by differential notions of the housing issue, are crucial to increasing the welfare of these urban residents and their access to the city. However, there are limitations and implications as societal and state actors cope with the challenges of rapid urbanisation. This research paper is authored by Irna Nurlina Masron, Research Associate, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, SUTD.