Kampung Marlina, Jakarta

This Chapter analyses the nature of self-organization and how it is expressed in Kampung Marlina as located in North Jakarta, with a major emphasis on understanding patterns of micro-morphology. The context of the kampung's development is assessed, including its small-scale origins in the 1960’s and the subsequent path of intensification in the surrounding area by industry. Noting a low proportion of residents having a land certificate, land tenure arrangements plus other socio-economic profiles and the governance role of RTs and RWs are outlined. In terms of morphology, Kampung Marlina is in the form of an irregularly-sized grid with ad-hoc sized blocks linked by alleyways. Linear ‘sidewalks’ have gradually framed the outer edges of Kampung Marlina, their development paralleling the housing on both sides of the main access street of Gang Marlina. Types of access plus density, mix of use, the changing condition of the alleyway/housing interface and typical physical increments added to housing are outlined so as to better understand morphology patterns and adaptation strategies utilized at the local level through self-organization.