Exploitation of Riverbanks as a Temporary Space for the Production of Social Space Based on Urban Public Space Needs

Public space in urban contexts emerges through ongoing social processes and is often constrained by land scarcity, especially in rapidly growing cities like Jakarta. This study examines the exploitation of the East Flood Canal riverbank as a temporary social space that functions as an urban public space, focusing on Duren Sawit Subdistrict in East Jakarta. The research aims to analyze the riverbank’s spatial layout as public space and identify the key factors influencing its use as a temporary social space. Using a mixed-method approach combining descriptive evaluation, literature review, field surveys, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study evaluates alternative land uses such as bicycle paths, playgrounds, sports areas, and multipurpose public spaces. The AHP analysis, based on expert questionnaires, structures the problem into objectives, factors, criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives, and tests consistency of judgments. The findings show that riverbank exploitation as social space is mainly shaped by three interrelated factors: the spatial layout and its physical elements, the users and informal economic actors (including hawkers), and the social networks and ties among individuals and community groups. The results support strategic zoning and land-use planning of the canal banks to balance recreation, economic activity, and social interaction while aligning with regulations on green open space and urban spatial planning.