The politics of development: revisiting concept of sustainable cities in Malioboro, Yogyakarta

Abstract

Abstract This research discusses the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, particularly in the Malioboro area. The questions to be addressed are: how have the Yogyakarta governments recontextualized the concept of sustainability in managing Malioboro? To what extent are the concept of sustainable cities perceived by Yogyakarta governments? This research argues that the government of Yogyakarta has put an effort to recontextualize Malioboro as a part of a sustainable city in achieving the target set by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The recontextualization starts by first creating an ideal environment in the area in which there will be equal opportunities for anyone who is a member of the society. This would lead to a changed social structure that could enable the society to thrive as they are able to further explore the potential provided by the previously-mentioned equal opportunities. The changed society due to a better environment would lead to a more economically prosperous society, and therefore achieve the sustainable development as targeted by the government.