Journal of Architectural Design and Urbanism
https://ejournal2.undip.ac.id/index.php/jadu
E-ISSN: 2620-9810
Vol 3 No 1, 2020
pp. 1-9
Green Open Space Functions in Kauman Area, Semarang City,
Indonesia
Intan Muning Harjanti, Pratamaningtyas Anggraini
Vocational School, Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia
Article info:
Received: 30-01-2020, Revised: 07-05-2020, Accepted: 14-09-2020
Abstract. Green open space has a variety of functions, which will help realize environmental balance
and harmony. Kauman Area is one area in the city of Semarang whose inhabitants are dominated by
people of Arab descent, which not only functions as a settlement, but also develops into trading
activities spread along the Kauman Street corridor.The purpose of this study is to identify the functions
of Green Open Space in Kauman Area, Semarang City, Indonesia, and approach used in this
research is descriptive qualitative, which conducted by inductively. Based on the results, the functions
of green open space in Kauman Area, both private and public green open space, it was found that
private green open space located in residential areas, office areas, education area, and in the worship
area. Whereas existing public green open space consists of urban parks in the form of aloon - aloon
and green lane in the form of road borders. Private green open space in residential areas has
ecological, economic and aesthetic functions; Private green open space in office areas is dominated
by ecological functions; while green space in the areas of education, worship, trade and services, is
dominated by ecological and aesthetic functions. Whereas public Green Open Space in the form of
urban park has an economic function; Green Open Space green lane in the form of road borders,
island road, and road median has ecological and aesthetic function; and Green Open Space with
specific function in the form of river borders has the ecological and aesthetic function.
Keywords: identification, green open spaces, green open spaces functions
1. Introduction
Open Space is a planned space because of the need for meeting places and joint activities in
the open air. With a joint meeting and relations between people, there will likely be various
activities in the open public space (Budihardjo & Sujarto, 2009). According to (Hakim, 2003),
open space is divided into green open spaces and non-green open spaces. Green open
space (GOS) is one part of the spatial plan that is located as a determinant of the balance of
the environment and built environment because Green Open Space (GOS) is the lungs of
the city. So, it must always be preserved and developed because green space is an
important component of urban areas (Schetke, Haase, & Breuste, 2010). Besides, green
open space also influences the physical and mental health well (Dadvand et al., 2015) and it
is an environmental resource that can have a positive impact on people's quality of life and
property value (Haran et al., 2014). Green open space has a variety of functions, which of
course will help realize environmental balance and harmony. The function will later be able to
maximize the use of existing RTH. Because though Green space planning has been
regulated in standards and guidelines, but people's understanding of green space is slightly
different (Ives et al., 2017). Whereas, active participation from a well-organized society will
be able to express neo-cities concepts (Seeland, Dübendorfer, & Hansmann, 2009).
The city of Semarang is the capital of Central Java Province, with an area of 373.70 km² and
an area of sea area of approximately 18000 ha. The Semarang urban community is relatively
diverse from an ethnic standpoint, because the city of Semarang has become the center of
doi: 10.14710/jadu.v3i1.7164 1
Journal of Architectural Design and Urbanism Green Open Space Functions in Kauman Area,
Vol 3, No 1, 2020 Semarang City, Indonesia
Indonesia
administrative, industrial, economic, and other social facilities. So that many people from
various ethnic groups live in Semarang, one of which is in the Kauman area. This Kauman
area is located in Kelurahan Kauman, Kecamatan Semarang Tengah, Semarang City.
Historically, the emergence of the Kauman area began with the arrival of Ki Ageng Pandan
Arang, who at that time carried a mission to spread Islam. Then he built a mosque located
west of the river Kali Semarang as a means of carrying out its mission, called the Kauman
Mosque. More and more people followed his teachings, then his followers settled around the
mosque. So far it is known by the name of the Kauman area, where the people are
dominated by people of Arab descent. But over time, this area is also inhabited by
indigenous people who blend in with the indigenous population. This Kauman area not only
functions as a settlement, but also develops into trading activities spread along the Kauman
Street corridor. For the Kauman community, social and religious life cannot be separated
from trading activities. Their lives are driven by economic, social, cultural and religious
activities. The density of activities in this area, certainly there is a need for discussion about
the space that serves as a counterweight to these various activities, which one of them is the
Green Open Space. Because the development of a dense city in an urban green space will
cause city problems (Haaland & van den Bosch, 2015).
The purpose of this study is to identify the functions of Green Open Space in Kauman Area,
Semarang City, Indonesia. The results of this study will be useful in understanding the
availability of green open space in Kauman Area and its functions. It also can be used as
input to conduct further research related to the availability and fulfillment of green space for
local residents.
Figure 1. 1. Location of Study Area, Kauman Area, Semarang City (Analysis, 2019)
2. Methods
The approach used in this research is descriptive qualitative, which conducted by inductively.
This is because the objectives to be achieved in this study will be known when this research
is completed. While the qualitative descriptive approach is used because in analyzing the
functions of green open space in Kauman Area by identifying directly the various types of
green space in the study area. So that, eventually it will get information about what green
open space functions have in Kelurahan Kauman.
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Journal of Architectural Design and Urbanism Green Open Space Functions in Kauman Area,
Vol 3, No 1, 2020 Semarang City, Indonesia
Indonesia
Data collection methods used are primary and secondary. Primary data collection is
performed with direct observation of objects in the study area location, namely green open
space in Kelurahan Kauman. While the secondary data collection is performed with
examining data obtained from agencies, as well as data obtained in addition to primary data
collection, in this case in the form of information related to green space in Kelurahan Kauman
and observing objects obtained from Googlemaps.
3. Discussion
Based on the nature of ownership, green open space is divided into private and public green
open space (Departemen Pekerjaan Umum, 2008). Private green open space ownership and
management is held directly by the owner, as well as in its use only certain people, that is
those who are entitled and have an interest in the area of the green open space. Whereas
the ownership of public green space is more general in nature, that is, the community is free
to access and use it, as well as its management is managed directly by the local government
and its existence is indeed functioned to serve and meet the needs of the community. Based
on Peraturan Menteri Pekerjaan Umum Number 5 of 2008 concerning Guidelines for
Provision and Utilization of Green Open Spaces in Urban Areas, types of public green open
spaces consist of: green open space of city parks; city Forest; Green Open Space green line
road, consisting of island road and median road; as well as a specific function of the Green
Open Space, which consists of the Green Open Space of the railroad and river borders.
Still according to (Departemen Pekerjaan Umum, 2008), Green Open Space has two
functions: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic function on ecological functions: as the lungs of the
city; micro climate regulators, as a shade; oxygen producer; rainwater absorbent; provider of
wildlife habitat; pollutants absorbent; and windbreak. While extrinsic functions, on social and
cultural functions: describing local cultural expressions; citizen communication media;
recreation areas; object of education, research, and training in studying nature. And on
economic functions: source of products that can be sold, such as flowers, fruits, leaves,
vegetables; can be part of agricultural, plantation, forestry and other businesses. On
aesthetic functions: increasing of comfort and beauty of city environmental, both from the
micro and macro scale; stimulate the creativity and productivity of citizens; forming
architectural beauty factors; create a harmonious atmosphere and balance between the built
and unconscious areas.
3.1. Private Green Open Space
Private Green Open Space in Kauman Ares is Green Open Space in residential areas,
offices, education, worship, as well as in trade and service areas. Existing private Green
Open Space is the ownership of citizens and private, where the management and use is
regulated in accordance with ownership.
3.1.1. Green Open Space in Settlement Area
Green Open Space settlements in the Kauman area are dominated by ecological functions,
that is as a shade, economic and aesthetic. This can be seen in Figure. 3.1, that residents
plant vegetation with shade tree species as an ecological function, then fruit tree species as
economic functions, and flower vegetation types as aesthetic functions. The shade tree
species functioned as an ecological function because it can create a cool microclimate in the
residents' residential areas, the fruit tree species functioned as an economic function
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Journal of Architectural Design and Urbanism Green Open Space Functions in Kauman Area,
Vol 3, No 1, 2020 Semarang City, Indonesia
Indonesia
because later on the fruit of the tree can be directly consumed by residents or traded, while
flower plants as an aesthetic function because can provide beauty in the residential area.
Figure 3.1. Green Open Space in Settlement Area (Googlemaps, 2019)
3.1.2. Green Open Space in Office Area
Private Green Open Space in office area located in Kauman Area, dominated by aesthetic
functions. This can be seen in Figure 3.2, the type of vegetation planted in the area is of the
type of flowering plants, which are planted in pots and placed in front of buildings and shrub
types planted in the front lawn. So the purpose of the plant is to give an element of beauty
in the office area, even though its presence looks very minimal due to limited space.
Figure 3.2. Green Open Spaces in Office Area (Googlemaps, 2019)
3.1.3. Green Open Space in Education Area
Private Green Open Space in the Education area in Kauman area is dominated by
ecological and aesthetic functions. Ecological function because vegetation planted in the
education area are herbaceous and shade trees, which aim to reduce noise, pollution and
as a shade. Meanwhile, it functions aesthetically because besides being planted with
shrubs and shade trees, it is also planted with flower plants, which aim to create beauty.
Figure 3.3. Green Open Spaces in Education Area (Googlemaps, 2019)
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3.1.4. Green Open Space in Worship Area
Worship facilities in the Kauman Area, there are two small mosques and one large mosque,
the Kauman Mosque. The character of green open space contained in these facilities is
different, where the mosque facility has two functions at once, which is ecological as well as
aesthetic functions. Whereas in the small mosque facilities, the existence of green open
space is very limited and almost not available, which is only fulfilled by the vegetation of the
residents who live nearby. Can be seen in Figure. 3.4, the green open space at the mosque
facility is planted with palm trees, which in addition to functioning as a shade can also
function as a beauty enhancer, because of the beautiful shape of the tree and planted in a
row. Whereas there are no plants available on the small mosque, there are only plants
belonging to residents with a type of herbaceous on the other side.
Figure 3.4. Green Open Space in Worship Area (Googlemaps, 2019)
3.1.5. Green Open Spaces in Trade and Services Area
Private green open space in the area of trade and services in the Kauman Area, is
dominated by ecological and aesthetic functions. This can be seen in Figure. 3.5., that plants
which are planted in the trade and service area are of shade trees that function as shading
for the perpetrators of activities and to reduce pollution because they also function as road
borders. While the aesthetic function is indicated by the planting of flowers and palm trees on
the hotel yard that aims to add beauty.
Figure 3.5. Green Open Spaces in Trade and Services Area (Googlemaps, 2019)
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3.2. Public Green Open Space
Public Green Open Space located in Kauman Area consists of urban park and green lane,
yang meliputi road border and road island.
3.2.1. Urban Park
Urban park located in the Kauman Area is Aloon – Aloon Semarang with the size 120 m x 60
m, which can be used by the community for activities. However, currently this square is
under construction, so that it can later be utilized by the community more optimally, such as
for sports and recreation areas. In addition, Aloon – Aloon Semarang will also be equipped
with basement parking for visitors, so that visitors can park the vehicle neatly and safely and
not interfere with other activities in the vicinity. Previously, the square was in the form of a
field which, over time, turned into an area for trading. This is because its location is directly
adjacent to the Johar Market which is a trading area. So that causes the square is not
functioning properly. Therefore, with the rebuilding of the Johar Market that was previously
burned, the Semarang City Government also rebuilt the Aloon – aloon Semarang, in order to
create an active public Green Open Space park that is suitable for its function for the
community. So that for now the Aloon – aloon Semarang has only an economic function.
Because of its location which borders the Johar trade and service area, so many sellers are
used for trading in this area.
Figure 3.6. (a) Aloon – Aloon Semarang Area Now (Googlemaps, 2019); (b) Aloon – Aloon
Semarang on Progress (Observation, 2019)
3.2.2. Green Open Space Green Lane
Green Open Space green lane located in Kelurahan Kauman is in the form of road borders,
river borders and road medians.
a. Road Borders
Road Borders in the Kauman Area is located on collector roads and local roads. On the
collector road there are along Jalan Pemuda, especially in the access road to the Old
Town area. Whereas on local roads there are along roads in the trade and service area.
Green lane with the type of road borders in the Kauman Area has ecological and
aesthetic functions. This can be seen in Figure 3.7. that the type of vegetation planted is
dominated by shade trees, which are planted in a row, so that in addition to helping
reduce pollution and noise, it can also create beauty for road users.
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Journal of Architectural Design and Urbanism Green Open Space Functions in Kauman Area,
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Figure 3.7. Road Borders in Kelurahan Area (Googlemaps, 2019)
b. Road Island
Road island in the Kauman Area is located at one corners of the Jalan Pemuda
intersection. This road island functions ecologically and aesthetically. This can be
seen from the type of vegetation that is planted, in the form of ornamental herbaceous
plants that are planted in such a way as to beautify the area and shade trees that can
help reduce pollution.
Figure 3.8. Island Road at Pemuda Street Crossroads (Googlemaps, 2019)
3.3. Green Open Space Functions in Kauman Area
Green open spaces in the Kauman Area are distinguished by their location and
shape, namely private green open spaces in the form of courtyards around buildings located
in the settlement area, office area, education area, worship area and trade and services
area. Whereas public green open space is urban park with the type of aloon - aloon and
green lane with road borders. Based on the analysis that has been done, it can be seen that
the function of green open space in the Kauman Area is generally dominated by ecological
and aesthetic functions. This is identified based on the type of vegetation in each of the
allotment of green open space, shape, and location, where the type of vegetation is
dominated by shade tree species that function to reduce air pollution, noise and create a cool
microclimate. While the aesthetic function can be seen from the type of vegetation in the
form of ornamental shrubs and flower plants. The economic function is only found in the
settlement area and the square. In the settlement area can be identified from the type of
vegetation that is planted in the form of plants that can provide economic value, such as fruit
trees. While the square is identified based on the allocation of space, which is more
functioned for trading activities / economic activities.
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Table 3.1. Green Open Space Functions in Kelurahan Kauman (Analysis, 2019)
Characters Form of Green Types of Green Open Functions
of Green Open Space Spaces
Open Space
Private Building yards Settlement Area Ecologic
Economic
Aesthetic
Office Area Aesthetic
Education Area Ecologic
Aesthetic
Worship Area Ecologic
Aesthetic
Trade and services area Ecologic
Aesthetic
Public Urban park Aloon – aloon Economic
Green lane Road borders Ecologic
Aesthetic
Trade & Services Area Trade & Services Area Settlement Area
Urban Park
Worship Area
(Mushola)
Worship Area
(Mosque)
Office Area
Education Area
Worship Area
(Mushola)
Road Border
Figure 3.9. Mapping of Green Open Space Functions in The Kauman Area (Analysis, 2019)
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4. Conclusion
The Green Open Space in Kauman Area consists of private and public Green Open Space.
The type of private Green Open Space is Green Open Space in residential areas, office
areas, education area, worship area, and in trade and service areas. Whereas public Green
Open Space in the form of urban park and green lane (road border, island road). Each type
of green space has a variety of functions. Based on the results of the analysis it was found
that private Green Open Space in residential areas has ecological, economic and aesthetic
functions; in office areas is dominated by aesthetic functions; in the education area is
dominated by ecological and aesthetic functions; in the worship area functions ecologically
as well as aesthetically; and private Green Open Space in the area of trade and services is
dominated by ecological and aesthetic functions. Whereas public Green Open Space in the
form of urban park has an economic function; Green Open Space green lane in the form of
road borders and island road has the same function, namely ecological and aesthetic
function. So, based on the analysis that has been done, it can be seen that the function of
green open space in the Kauman Region is generally dominated by ecological and aesthetic
functions. Whereas the economic function is only found in the settlement area and Aloon –
Aloon.
Acknowledments
The authors thanks to Vocational School, Diponegoro University, as the research funder.
And the manager of JADU who has helped publish this article
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