Characteristics of the Spatial Structure of Kosts Private Rental Housing: A Case Study of the Urban Settlement of Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper investigates kosts, private rental housing facilities spontaneously developed by house owners mostly due to changes in their stages of life, the need for additional income, and the demand for cheaper housing for people who reside far from their place of employment and education. The arrangements vary considerably, making kosts popular housing options. Currently there are no specific design standards for kosts. Their design and operation are based on the owners' preferences. This research was based in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, which is the center of business and has the greatest degree of urbanization. The high housing prices there, combined with relatively low incomes makes it difficult for middle-to-low income earners to afford houses.Focusing on space planning by owners, this paper discusses various patterns of spatial arrangement in kosts and the impact on the living space of residents. The data collected was analyzed by classification and quantitative descriptive analysis methods. The spatial organization and lack of space trigger behavioral changes and the misuse of space. Furthermore, many kosts are not up to the Indonesian standards of a healthy home. The formation of specific design standards is important to improve the physical conditions of kosts and their sense of community.

SOCIAL LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN <i>KOST</i> PRIVATE RENTAL HOUSING BASED ON TENANTS' EXPERIENCE

“…Further, Wulandari and Mori relate the nature of kost with kosthuis, as the term "kost" was believed to come from a Dutch term "in de kost", and kosts represent self-organized rental housing facilities 3) . They also observed the characteristics of the spatial structure of kosts in Jakarta, and the strong correlation between the existence of owner, living area separation between owner and tenants, and spatial occupation pattern in kost was noticed 1) . In addition, the implementation and impacts of the current legal basis for kosts were also examined in a separate study 4) , and various considerations, revisions, and enforcement to the current legal basis for kosts were proposed.…”

Nature and Operation of Kost Private Rental Housing in Urban Settlement Development of Jakarta, Indonesia

“…In fact, the enforcement of the regulations has several hindrances, e.g., inadequate resources to support law enforcement in the neighborhood level and lack of public education on the planning regulations and their importance [21].…”

“…Kosts show two main conditions, i.e., Kosts with owners living side-by-side with tenants and Kosts with owners living in separate houses [6].…”

“…Some owners put signboards that state the room availability and their criteria. However, many owners prefer not to put on signboards due to various reasons, e.g., business competition and law-related issues [6].…”

“…As one of the highly sought after rental housing facilities, Kosts have formed unique living environment, as well as being part of the fast growing urban settlement development in Jakarta [6]. The difference between Kosts and other rental housing facilities is that Kosts come in various conditions and arrangements, thus tenants are provided with a lot of choices in the market that may suit their preferences, economic capabilities and cultural issues.…”