Spatial territoriality in the Semanggi embankment area

Abstract

Abstract This paper focuses on the issues of territoriality in densely populated settlements in the Semanggi embankment area. Semanggi is one of the slums in Surakarta which has territoriality issues caused by uneven spatial growth. This location has a high population density, yet it also attempts to accommodate the growth of people"s activities. This issue occurs because of the environment"s failure to reach or provide the residents with the desired level of privacy. The territoriality in the Semanggi embankment area sometimes creates conflicts stemming from spatial issues, particularly encroachment; an outcome which indicates there is a practice of territoriality in this area which this research aims to explore. To gather data a descriptive qualitative method was used in this study, with information collected by observation and interviews. After that, the data that demonstrated the practice of territoriality via spatial activities was analyzed. The results show that there are practices of territoriality in the area, particularly by marking and personalization. These practices, which are mainly caused by residents" economic needs, might affect one another. The forms of territoriality practiced can also be affected by gender, physical factors, and cultural aspects.