PUBLIC PLACES PROJECT

PUPLA Project is a collaborative initiative that explores how public spaces in Indonesia can be created and sustained through community participation. Amidst rapid urban growth dominated by housing and commercial developments, PUPLA seeks to reconnect people with their environment—bridging researchers, citizens, and local actors to co-create meaningful places.

Through placemaking, we cultivate a culture of dialogue, empathy, and shared responsibility. Every intervention—be it participatory mapping, art installation, or public workshop—becomes an act of collective imagination.
We believe that a sustainable public place is not just built; it is lived, cared for, and continually shaped by its community.

Cerita Kamal Muara is a community-driven public space project located in Kamal Muara, a traditional fishing village in Jakarta inhabited predominantly by the Bugis community. The project addresses the challenges of public space development in Indonesia, where urban growth often prioritizes housing, economic, and transport infrastructure, leaving public spaces underdeveloped and fragmented.
The initiative is part of the PUPLA (Public Places Project), which fosters collaborative placemaking by involving residents, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary collaborators in co-creating sustainable and meaningful public spaces. Kamal Muara, known for its vibrant fish auction market and unique cultural heritage, faces social and economic challenges, including low education levels and informal sector employment.
Through participatory design methods, PUPLA engages local residents in activities such as workshops, collaborative planning, and creative interventions, including colorful signage and playful public spaces like a snakes-and-ladders playground. The project emphasizes community ownership and cultural identity, aiming to enhance social interaction, accessibility, and the overall quality of life in the area.
Supported by local government programs for housing renovation and economic training, Cerita Kamal Muara exemplifies how inclusive urban development can empower communities while preserving their cultural roots. The project’s process includes analysis, discussion, experimentation, and execution phases, ensuring that every step incorporates residents’ voices and expertise of diverse collaborators.
By transforming Kamal Muara into a more livable and engaging place, the project champions sustainable public space development as a shared responsibility among people, fostering stronger connections and urban resilience.