ANALYSIS OF THE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION OF CITY PARKS FOR
THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH JAKARTA
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
ABS 370 – ECOLOGY
SPRING 2024
Introduction:
The development that occurred since the mid-20th century brought changes that
affected the social, economic and environmental aspects of society. This development has
resulted in an increase in population in the city which has led to an increase in the use of
urban land to support various activities. This land use tends to be in the form of buildings,
roads or similar infrastructure that does not have vegetation, resulting in the shrinkage of
green spaces in urban areas. This can affect the microclimate in urban areas, such as
increasing air temperatures (Suripto et al. 2021). Therefore, green open space is needed
because it has an important role in urban space.
Urban green open spaces (RTH) are open spaces in various places in an urban area that
are optimally used as greening areas and function, either directly or indirectly, for the life and
welfare of humans or their citizens in addition to environmental sustainability and beauty
(Nurisyah 2007). RTH contributes to fulfill the ecological functions of an area such as
improving groundwater quality, preventing flooding, reducing air pollution, and supporting
microclimate regulation (Ernawati 2015). These benefits have a positive impact on the
environment
South Jakarta is one of the administrative cities of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta
with an area of 145.73 km2. The population of South Jakarta in 2019 reached 2.65 million
people. This makes South Jakarta have a high population density, which is 18,184
people/km2. Residents of other cities who work in DKI Jakarta including South Jakarta also
increase the number of people who are in South Jakarta every day, especially during working
hours. Therefore, South Jakarta requires green spaces to fulfill ecological, socio-cultural, and
economic needs. The need for RTH itself has been regulated in the law which states that 30%
of the total area of the city is allocated as RTH.
RTH in South Jakarta City has an area of about 25% of its total area. Hasibuan et al.
(2020) explained that the DKI Jakarta Parks and Urban Forest Service has responded to the
need for RTH by building parks in various areas of South Jakarta City. The concept of the
park to be built has the name Taman Maju Bersama (TMB) which is open and has various
complete facilities to meet the needs of the community. This government program also
revitalizes existing parks. The location of these parks is located in areas with different
backgrounds such as commercial zones, settlements, industries, and so on.
RTH in the form of a city park has benefits to the community both those who live
around and those who visit it. The benefits provided can be felt directly or indirectly. One of
these benefits is the ecological function of green spaces that can be useful in the comfort of
its users (Imansari and Khadiyanta 2015). One of the sources of The main ecological function
is plants, especially trees. Simonds and Starke (2006) explain that plants can block the sun's
heat, block the wind, and improve the microclimate that can affect comfort.
The concept of sustainability is considered capable as a way to solve various problems
faced by humanity (He et al. 2018). Sustainability in urban development is based on raising
awareness of the resources needed in a city (Trindade et al. 2017). In this case, the ecological
function of an urban park can support the sustainability of the city. Therefore, public
awareness of the ecological functions of urban parks is also an important aspect of urban
sustainability.
Revitalization carried out in parks not only changes the aesthetic aspects, but also
functional aspects such as ecological functions. Different locations of parks in a city have
differences depending on the needs of the surrounding population. The population's
understanding of the various benefits is certainly different and is influenced by various
factors that will affect how to respond to various city parks in South Jakarta. Therefore, it is
necessary to analyze the suitability of ecological functions in parks in South Jakarta and
residents' understanding of these ecological functions. Some of the parks in South Jakarta are
Mataram Park, Puring Park, and Tebet Eco Park.
1.1 City
Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 26 of 2007 concerning Spatial Planning
explains that urban areas are areas that have non-agricultural main activities with an
arrangement of regional functions as a place for urban settlements, concentration and
distribution of government services, social services, and economic activities. Sihombing and
Utami (2023) expanded the definition with demographic, sociological, economic, physical,
and administrative characteristics that are unique to urban areas.
Activities in urban areas lead to high population intensity compared to agricultural
functions that require large areas of land. These activities also cause urbanization, which
brings in people who want to work from various places. This results in increased
development in the region (Sabitha 2022). Over time, this development often causes cities to
be dominated by buildings and roads traveled by motorized vehicles. Meanwhile, vacant land
that is usually overgrown with vegetation and has an ecological function is shrinking.
1.2 Green Open Space
Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 26 of 2007 explains that green open space
(RTH) is an elongated / striped and / or grouped area, the use of which is more open, where
plants grow, both those that grow naturally and those that are deliberately planted. The
minimum proportion of RTH is regulated in this Law with a minimum of 30% of the city area
with 20% of the city area being public RTH. The distribution of RTH in the city is adjusted to
the distribution of population and service systems in the city by taking into account the
structure plan and spatial pattern.
RTH has various benefits that can be felt not only by humans, but by other species and
to the environment. Benefits that can be directly felt or tangible such as visual beauty and
areas for recreation, while benefits that cannot be directly felt or intangible such as effective
air purification, maintenance and availability of groundwater, and preservation of
environmental functions which are ecological benefits. The proportion of RTH area of 30%
of the city area is set to ensure the balance of the city ecosystem, both the balance of
hydrology and microclimate systems, as well as other ecological systems, which will further
increase the aesthetic value of the city. Karyati et. al. (2021) explained several ecological
functions of green spaces, namely the lungs of the city, regulating microclimate, shading in
the city, producing oxygen, absorbing rainwater, providing animal habitats, absorbing
pollutants in the air, water and soil, and windbreaks.
1.3 City Park
According to the Minister of Public Works Regulation No. 5 of 2008, urban green
spaces are parks intended to serve the residents of a city or part of a city area. City parks aim
to serve a minimum of 480,000 residents with a minimum standard of 0.3 m2 per city
resident, with a minimum park size of
144,000 m2 . This park can take the form of a green space (green field), equipped with
recreational and sports facilities, and a sports complex with a minimum of 80%-90% green
space. All these facilities are intended for public use.
City parks function in social and aesthetic aspects as a means of recreational activities,
education or other activities at the city level. Tate (2001) explains that city parks were
originally built for three purposes, namely improving the living conditions of people working
in the city, providing a natural feel, and increasing the selling value of surrounding buildings.
City parks are considered capable of improving public health, both physically and mentally.
1.4 Sustainability
Sustainability is a principle or view with an orientation towards the future.
Sustainability is principled by development that does not have a detrimental impact on future
generations. This principle requires good governance by involving the active participation of
the government, private sector and society in a balanced manner (Obot and Setyawan 2017).
The principle of sustainability is promoted by the concept of sustainable development goals
or often called SDGs. These goals are achieved using various fields of approach such as
environmental, social, and economic fields.
A sustainable city is defined as a city that applies sustainability principles from various
fields. Of course, this application must be carried out in a balanced manner so that
development can be well integrated (Bibri et al. 2020). Ecological functions in parks and
public knowledge of these functions can be an indicator of sustainable development in a city.
1.5 Ecological Function of Plants
Ecological function can be defined as the interaction of species or the ecological role of
a species in supporting ecological productivity (Brodie et al. 2018). The arrangement of a
space and area is planned in the form of arrangement of plants, plants, and vegetation such as
trees so that the function of plants can be properly, one of which is ecological function. Some
of these ecological functions are noise cancellation, temperature modification, air humidity
control, windbreaks, and pollution absorption.
Noise Cancellation
Noise is a common occurrence on roads traversed by motorized vehicles. Excessive
noise can disturb people's comfort. One of the efforts to reduce noise is by using plants
(Hamidun et al. 2021). Research conducted by Van Renterghem and Botteldooren (2002)
using a barrier of trees exposed to the wind along the highway, compared to measurements
without noise barrier trees resulted, that the efficiency of noise barriers with trees increased
better than without trees.
Temperature Modification
Temperature is one of the important factors for human comfort. The optimal
temperature in the human body is in the range of 37 ° C, more or less than that temperature
will cause discomfort. Parks as open spaces are always exposed to sunlight radiation that
carries heat. Plants in the garden certainly have an effect in blocking these rays and affecting
the evapotranspiration process in the environment (Gray and Deneke 1978).
Air Humidity Control
Plants are also capable of affecting the humidity of the surrounding environment.
Plants affect humidity depending on the density of the plant's leaves. The ideal humidity
according to Laurie (1986) is around 40-75%. Humidity under the canopy is higher and
evaporation is lower so that the temperature becomes lower than the surrounding
environment during the day and warmer at night (Gray and Daneke 1978).
Wind Resistance
Wind is one of the elements in climate amelioration that can be both comforting and
destructive depending on its speed. Plants such as trees and shrubs can control the wind by
blocking, directing, deflecting and filtering the wind. Plants are able to reduce wind speed
with different plant compositions can reduce wind speed by about 40-50% (Carpenter et al.
1975). Grey and Daneke (1978) explain that the effect of plants on wind varies depending on
species size, leaf shape, leaf density and retention, and position of plant placement. Plants
that block the wind can create a good protection area that is 10-20 times the height of the
protective plant.
Pollution Absorber
According to Grey and Deneke (1978), plants can reduce air pollutants by producing
oxygen, so that air pollutants that pass around plants will undergo a mixing process between
oxygen and pollutants, making the air around plants clean. Plants are air filters that are able to
absorb various gases in the air in certain amounts without showing any damaging effects.
There are several factors that affect the reduction potential of pollutants and the age of plants,
namely the type of plant, the density and height of plants, the amount of carbon emissions,
temperature, wind speed, density and height of buildings (Kaule 2000).
Research Methods
The method carried out is divided into three methods, namely analyzing aspects of
ecological, social, and aesthetic functions of city parks. This research is carried out with
stages of work which include research preparation, site inventory, aspect analysis, and
recommendations.
Preparation
At this stage there are two preparations that need to be made, namely technical
preparation and administrative preparation. This stage includes collecting supporting data that
can support this research such as licensing from the South Jakarta City government agencies
and related parties, survey preparation, and questionnaire preparation.
Inventory
The inventory stage is the stage of collecting data and information related to the
existing conditions of South Jakarta City parks, social conditions of visitors, and public
perceptions of city parks. The data obtained at this stage is obtained in two ways, namely
primary and secondary. Primary data is data obtained by direct observation and measurement
of the site and interviews with related parties. While secondary data is data obtained through
related agencies or agencies and literature studies.
Analysis
Ecological Function Analysis of South Jakarta City Parks This analysis was carried out to
determine the ecological function of the parks. South Jakarta City Park with an assessment of
ecological functions consisting of noise cancellation, shading, air humidity, wind resistance,
and pollutant absorption with landscape plant function criteria based on literature. The
analysis was carried out by assessing vegetation in the form of trees based on criteria for each
ecological function. The ecological function criteria can be seen in Table 2 below:
3.3.3.1. Analysis of Community Perceptions
The analysis of public perceptions of the ecological functions of parks in South Jakarta
City aims to determine user perceptions of the effectiveness of the ecological functions of
parks in South Jakarta City. Analysis of public perceptions was carried out using a purposive
sampling method, in the form of using questionnaires distributed to the public, especially
park visitors. The questionnaire given has two types of questions, namely questions related to
community characteristics, and questions of public perceptions of the ecological functions of
parks in South Jakarta City. The total respondents in this study amounted to 150 people with
a distribution of 50 people in each park.
Synthesis
In the form of formulating recommendations formulated based on the results of the
analysis for the application of city park green planning based on ecological, social, and
aesthetic aspects, it can be used as a reference for the Jakarta City government.
South in the construction of the next city park or green space.
4.1 General Conditions
Taman Mataram
Taman Mataram was revitalized with the aim of giving the park a new face and
completing the facilities needed by the community. Previously, Taman Mataram was
revitalized in 2013 to expand the park, which was originally a gas station. Now this park has
an organic design that is full of curves so that it contrasts with the shape of the site which
tends to be square.
Taman Mataram is located in a residential area and is open daily and can be visited at
any time as it has no fence around it. The park is usually visited by people who work nearby
and is crowded at night. Park maintenance is carried out every day for some time so that the
park is relatively clean from garbage except for fallen tree leaves. The main park facilities are
benches that also function as planting boxes. Other facilities in the park include toilets, prayer
rooms, bookshelves and several facilities that can support physical activities such as fitness
equipment, tennis tables. The condition of some of these facilities is arguably good enough to
be used even though there is some damage such as doors.
4.1.2.1. Puring Park
The purpose of revitalizing Taman Puring is the same as Taman Mataram, which is to
give the park a new face and improve its facilities. This park was originally a green space for
recreation for the local residents, but was also used as a public vehicle park. Over time, many
second-hand sellers used it as a stall to sell their goods, so the new Taman Puring Market
building was built in 1983. The planning of this park emphasizes facilities for activities by
providing children's play areas and other sports areas. The design of the park has a modern
theme characterized by minimal geometry without excessive ornamentation.
Taman Puring is located in a commercial area and is open every day from 07.00-17.00
WIB. This park is usually visited by parents with their children so it is crowded every
afternoon after school and in the morning on weekends. Park maintenance is also carried out
every day but there is still a lot of garbage found in crowded parts of the park and close to
food and beverage vendors outside the park. The most prominent facility in this park is the
skateboard track that circles the park. Other facilities include benches in the southern part of
the park, toilets, showers and some facilities that support some physical activities such as a
children's playground with a playground slides, and a parking area. Taman Puring has a
designated parking area although it can only accommodate motorcycles.
4.1.2.2. Tebet Eco Park
Tebet Eco Park is a revitalization of Tebet Park which was originally divided into
Tebet Utara Park and Tebet Selatan Park which was carried out from 2019 to 2022. Tebet
Park was originally an unkempt swamp. Then in 2009 the Honda Indonesia company donated
a tree to celebrate the sale of its products so that Tebet Park was called Taman Honda. The
revitalization of Tebet Park was carried out to function the park as a flood control and handle
the water crisis (Wijaya 2022). The overall design of the park gives the atmosphere of a
forest in the city due to the large number of trees and the organic design of the pavement.
Tebet Eco Park is located in a commercial-residential area and is open every day from
07.00-17.00 WIB. The size of the park makes it crowded with local and outside visitors with
an increase in the number of visitors on weekends. Maintenance of Tebet Eco Park is carried
out every day for some time and is relatively clean from garbage. Park facilities in the studied
area include benches, toilets, prayer rooms, amphitheaters, and food buying areas. Other
facilities that can be found throughout the park are children's play areas, pedestrian bridges,
and pet areas. Tebet Eco Park does not provide a parking area for visitors.
4.2 Tree Species Identification
The three parks have different tree planting patterns. However, they all retained some
of the trees that existed before the revitalization and planted some new species.
Tree identification of Taman Mataram
Based on field observations, the number of tree species in Mataram Park amounted to
19 species with a total number of individuals of 154 trees. Details of the number of species
and individuals of vegetation in Mataram Park can be seen in Table 3. The most common
species are cape (Mimusops elengii) with 47 trees and bottle brush (Callistemon citrinus)
with 22 trees. Acacia (Acacia longifolia), soursop (Annona muricata), jackfruit (Artocarpus
heterophyllus), and kedondong (Spondias dulcis) were the least abundant species with one
tree each. The location of each species and individual can be seen on the Mataram Park Tree
Map in Figure 6.
4.3 Ecological Function Analysis
The ecological functions of plants in this study are divided into five, including: 1) noise
cancellation; 2) temperature modification; 3) air humidity control; 4) windbreak; and 5)
pollution absorption analyzed in Taman Mataram, Taman Puring and Tebet Eco Park. The
analysis was carried out by assessing vegetation in the form of trees in these parks. Each type
of tree has a different character so that it has a different value for its function in each
ecological function.
Noise cancellation
Noise can be defined as excessive sound that exceeds the limit of human hearing health.
Noise can be produced by the sound of engines and exhaust from motorized vehicles. Efforts
to overcome noise can be done in many ways, one of which is using vegetation such as trees
(Nababan 2022). The criteria for vegetation used to help reduce noise are as follows:
K1 = Thick crown and dense leaf mass (DPU Directorate General of Highways, 1996) K2 =
Thick and stiff leafy (Gray and Deneke, 1978)
K3 = Large branch and stem structure (Grey and Deneke, 1978) K4 = Needle-leaved (Grey
and Deneke, 1978)
The assessment of the noise-canceling function of Mataram Park, Puring Park, and
Tebet Eco Park based on the four criteria for each tree is described in Tables 6, 7, and 8.
The results of observations and assessments in Taman Mataram show that most plants
have a good category with a total individual percentage of 62% with a final score of 246
which is categorized as moderate. Plants with a good category constitute 12 of the 18 types of
vegetation, while the remaining 6 types have a moderate category. Banyan (Ficus benjamina)
has the highest score of 75%.
Observations and research in Puring Park show that most of the vegetation has a
moderate category with a total percentage of individuals of 63% with a final score of 237 in
the moderate category. Vegetation types categorized as moderate amounted to 8 out of 19
total vegetation types. While the rest, with a total of 11 types of vegetation have a good
category. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and banyan (Ficus benjamina) have the highest score
with 75%.
Observations and research at Tebet Eco Park show that most of the vegetation has a
good category with a total individual percentage of 62% with a final score of 262 in the
medium category. Vegetation types that are categorized as good amount to 15 out of 22 total
vegetation types. While the rest, with a total of 7 types of vegetation have a good category.
Bodhi (Ficus religiosa) and banyan (Ficus benjamina) have the highest score with 75%. The
results of observations and ratings of the three parks can be seen in Table 9, while the
distribution of trees in each category can be seen in Figures 9, 10, and 11.
Air humidity control
Air humidity is one of the factors that determine thermal comfort. Comfortable humidity
is between 40-70% or moderate. Trees can affect air humidity (Evert et al. 2017). The criteria
for plants used to control air humidity are as follows: K1=Low leaf density (Bianpoen et al.,
1989) K2= Needle-leaved or rough (Gray and Deneke, 1978) K3= Rough stem texture (Gray
and Deneke, 1978) K4= Large number of leaves (Carpenter et al., 1975) Assessment of the
air humidity control function at Mataram Park, Puring Park, and Tebet Eco Park based on the
four criteria in each sing trees are outlined in Tables 14, 15, and 16.
The results of observations and assessments in Taman Mataram show that most plants
have a moderate category with a total percentage of individuals of 56% with a final score of
251 which is categorized as moderate. Plants with moderate categories amounted to 9 out of
18 total vegetation types. While the rest, with a total of 1 type of plant has an excellent
category, 8 types of vegetation have a good category, 8 types of vegetation have a moderate
category, and 1 type of vegetation has a poor category. Bottle brush (Callistemon citrinus) is
an example of vegetation that has the highest score with a value of 87.5%.
Observations and research in Puring Park show that most of the vegetation has a good
category with a total percentage of individuals of 63% with a final score of 264 in the
medium category. Vegetation types categorized as good amounted to 7 out of 19 total
vegetation types. While the rest, with a total of 2 types of vegetation have a very good
category and 7 types of vegetation with a good category and 1 type of vegetation has a bad
category. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is an example of a plant that has the highest score with a
value of 87.5%.
Observations and research at Tebet Eco Park show that most of the vegetation has a
good category with a total individual percentage of 77% with a final score of 277 in the
medium category. Vegetation types that are categorized as good amount to 14 out of 22 total
vegetation types, while the remaining 8 types of vegetation have a moderate category. Kapok
randu (Ceiba pertranda) is an example of vegetation that has the highest score with a value of
75%. The results of observations and ratings of the three parks can be seen in Table 17, while
the distribution of trees in each category can be seen in Figures 15, 16, and 17.
Air pollution absorber
Clean air is often polluted by pollutant gases either produced by natural processes or by
human activities. Human activities such as engine combustion, both from industrial activities
and motorized vehicles contribute to polluting the air. Not only that, dust can pollute the air
through wind circulation. Trees and vegetation can absorb these pollutants, both gas and dust
(Laksana et. al.). The criteria used to resist wind are as follows: K1=High crown density
(Fakuara, 1986) K2 = Rough stem texture (Patra, 2002) K3 = Dense twig density (Fakuara,
1986) K4 = Large number of leaves (Fakuara, 1986)
The results of observations and assessments in Taman Mataram show that most plants
have a good category with a total individual percentage of 60% with a final score of 321
which is categorized as good. Plants with good categories amounted to 11 out of 18 total
vegetation types. While the rest, with a total of 6 types of vegetation have a very good
category and 1 type of plant has a moderate category. Banyan (Ficus benjamina) is an
example of vegetation that has the highest score with a value of 100% and is found in three
research locations.
Observations and research in Puring Park show that most of the vegetation has a good
category with a total individual percentage of 71% with a final score of 324 in the good
category. Vegetation types categorized as good amounted to 10 out of 19 total vegetation
types. While the rest, with a total of 5 types of vegetation have a very good category and 4
types of vegetation with a bad category.
Observations and research at Tebet Eco Park show that most of the vegetation has a
good category with a total individual percentage of 48% with a final score of 343 in the good
category. Vegetation types that are categorized as good amount to 10 out of 22 total vegetation
types, while the remaining 9 types of vegetation have excellent categories, 2 types of
vegetation have moderate categories and 3 types of vegetation have poor categories. The
results of observations and assessments of the three parks can be seen in Table 25, while the
distribution of trees in each category can be seen in Figures 21, 22 and 23.
4.4 Analysis of Community Perceptions
Respondents' perceptions are expected to be able to represent the knowledge of the
ecological functions of respondents towards the green spaces and parks visited. Data on
respondents' perceptions were taken through questionnaires distributed to 50 respondents at
Mataram Park, Puring Park and Tebet Eco Park. The questionnaire also contained questions
related to the characteristics of the respondents.
Respondent characteristics
The characteristics of respondents represent the diversity of backgrounds of visitors
who come to parks in South Jakarta City. These characteristics can explain differences in
respondents' knowledge of ecological functions in city parks. The characteristics obtained
include gender, age, profession, and the purpose of respondents visiting the park. The
percentage diagram of respondents' characteristics in each park can be seen in Figures 24, 25,
26,
Based on the results of the questionnaire, the majority of park visitors are female,
except for Mataram Park which is mostly visited by men. The age of visitors is dominated by
the age range of 21 to 30 years at Mataram Park and Tebet Eco Park, while at Puring Park it
is dominated by the age range of 31 to 40 years. Most park visitors at Taman Mataram work
as self-employed, while at Taman Puring they choose the "other" option which refers to not
working or retired. Meanwhile, Tebet Eco Park is mostly visited by students. The majority of
visitors to Taman Puring and Tebet Eco Park visit because they want to recreate. While at
Taman Mataram recreation is the same goal as the "other" option that respondents wrote with
a place to rest.
Respondent perception
Respondents' perceptions of the park's ecological functions were captured through
questions related to the park's ambience. The answers provided were levels of ambience
ranging from moderate, which is the midpoint to leaning towards the two extremes.
Questions about the effect of the park on the surrounding environment were also asked to
determine how people perceived the relationship between trees and ecological functions. The
question was answered with levels of agreement with "undecided" as the middle answer and
"strongly agree" and "strongly disagree" as the opposite answers. The percentage of
respondents' answers in each park can be seen in Figures 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32.
The answers from respondents show that most of the respondents' perceptions of noise
in Mataram Park are quiet with a percentage of 56%, while in Taman Puring and Tebet Eco
Park the answer is moderate with a percentage of 66% and 55% respectively. Most of the
respondents' perceptions regarding the temperature in the three parks were cool with a
percentage of 66% in Puring Park and Tebet Eco Park. Mataram Park, 55% in Puring Park, and
49% in Tebet Eco Park. Most of the respondents' perceptions of air humidity in the three
parks were moderate with a percentage of respondents of 60% in Mataram Park, 86% in
Puring Park, and 82% in Tebet Eco park. Most of the respondents' perceptions of wind gusts
were moderate in the three parks with a percentage of respondents of 62% in Mataram Park,
76% in Puring Park, and 55% in Tebet Eco Park. Most respondents' perceptions of pollution
in the three parks were slight with a percentage of respondents of 50% in Mataram Park, 46%
in Puring Park, and 61% in Tebet Eco Park Community perceptions of the park's influence on
each Ecological functions were also captured by questionnaire. Questions included the level
of Agreement ranged from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree" with an answer of
"undecided" if the respondent was unsure. The percentage of respondents' perceptions on the
effect of parks on ecological functions is presented with diagrams in Figures 33, 34, 35, 36,
and 37.
4.5 Comparison of Ecological Function Assessment and Respondents' Perception
Comparison of the results of the ecological function analysis shows the total results of
the ecological function assessment of each park and the respondents' perceptions of the
ecological function. Both data are displayed to see the correspondence between park
assessments and public perceptions of the park. The comparison can be seen in Table 26
which shows the final score category of each assessment result and park based on ecological
function, and Table 27 which shows the majority of respondents' perceptions and their
percentage of comfort based on ecological function. The correspondence between the KPI
assessment and public perception of the ecological function of trees in the park can be seen in
both tables with bold text.
Comparison of KPI assessment of noise cancellation with respondents' perception is
appropriate in Puring Park and Tebet Eco Park, but not in Mataram Park which is considered
quieter by respondents. Comparison related to temperature modification is appropriate in
Taman Mataram and Tebet Eco Park, but not in Taman Mataram which is considered quieter
by respondents. Puring Park which is rated medium based on the KPI assessment.
Comparisons related to air humidity are not appropriate in all three parks with moderate
scores on KPI assessments and respondents' perceptions. Comparison related to windbreak
function is appropriate in Mataram Park, but not appropriate in Puring Park and Tebet Eco
Park. Comparison of pollution absorbing functions is appropriate in all parks.
Discrepancies can occur due to several factors originating from outside and inside the
park. For example, the public perception of Mataram Park's noise is quiet compared to the
KPI assessment which shows that the ecological function of Mataram Park's noise
cancellation is moderate. This happens because Taman Mataram is located in a residential
area and Jalan Sisingamangaraja is relatively less crowded with motorized vehicles. In
addition, respondents at Puring Park feel that this park is cool compared to the KPI
assessment which shows the moderate temperature modification ecological function. This
occurs because the majority of visitors move in areas with dense tree cover.
4.6 Synthesis
Taman Mataram has plants that are good at keeping temperatures cool, buffering wind
and absorbing pollution, but poor at noise reduction and humidity control. Banyan trees
(Ficus benjamina) are suitable for noise cancellation because of their thick crowns. Bottle
brush (Callistemon citrinus) is quite good for moisture management due to its thin leaves.
Palms such as coconut (Cocos nucifera) and pines such as Sumatran tamarind (Pinus
merkusii) can also help maintain humidity.
Puring Park has plants that are good at buffering wind and absorbing pollution, but poor
at noise reduction, temperature control, and humidity control. Planting species such as
banyan (Ficus benjamina) to reduce noise, cape (Mimusops elengii) to reduce temperature,
and coconut (Cocos nucifera) to maintain humidity.
Tebet Eco Park has plants that are good at reducing temperature, buffering wind and
absorbing pollution, but less good at reducing noise, and controlling humidity. Planting
species such as banyan (Ficus benjamina) to reduce noise and bodhi (Ficus religiosa) to
maintain humidity.
Recommendations for implementing green management are needed by adjusting the
needs of the park to the ecological functions in the park. The application of greenery can be
from the character of tree species and tree placement or planting (Dunett and Hitchmough
2004). Tree placement can be arranged in a certain pattern to optimize certain ecological
functions by maintaining existing trees. The types of trees that meet the criteria can be used
as a guide to choose what trees need to be planted to fulfill certain ecological functions.
Planting can also be optimized by adding shrubs to reduce noise and buffer the wind.
Other plants with similar criteria such as palms can help to reduce noise and pine (Pinus
merkusii) to control humidity. Planting and crop recommendations can be seen in the
following illustration:
Recommendations for planting noise-canceling vegetation
Trees with dense crowns and dense leaves are good for noise reduction because the soft
leaves can muffle sound. A suitable planting pattern to withstand the wind in the form of
dense planting, but not too much so that it is sufficient to reduce noise and does not cause the
plant to die (Carpenter et al. 1975). Plant placement can be done in parts of the park that are
close to the road, especially those that are heavily traveled by motorized vehicles such as the
eastern part of Taman Mataram, the western and northern parts of Taman Puring, and the
western part of Tebet Eco Park. Illustration of recommendations can be seen in Figure 38.
Trees with large sizes, especially in the crown are able to block solar radiation that
carries heat so that the shaded area has a cool temperature (Carpenter et al. 1975). Planting
can also be done in rows along pedestrian paths and passive areas in the park to provide
consistent shade (DPU Directorate General of Highways 1996). An illustration of the
recommendations can be seen in Figure 39.
Recommended planting of air humidity control vegetation
To maintain moderate humidity, trees with thin leaves are needed. Sparse and not tight
planting distance can also be applied so that humid air is not trapped (Carpenter et. al. 1975).
Plant placement can be done in passive areas of the park that are crowded by visitors to
provide comfortable humidity. Illustration of recommendations can be seen in Figure 40.
Figure 40 Illustration of air humidity control recommendations Windbreak vegetation
planting recommendations
Tree height is an important factor for wind buffering as it affects the area of wind
buffering (Carpenter et al. 1975). The use of tall shrubs can also help buffer winds at lower
heights than trees. Planting patterns with a density of less than three meters can also help
optimize the windbreak function (DPU Directorate General of Highways 1996). Plant
placement can be done in the edge area around the perimeter of the park. Illustration of
recommendations can be seen in Figure 41.
Plants can cope with polluted air by absorbing air through the stomata on the leaves.
Therefore, the more leaves a tree has, the better. Meanwhile, another way to deal with it is by
creating air turbulence that keeps polluted air from entering through the wind. This can be
achieved by dense planting such as the windbreak function of Rey and Deneke 1978).
Planting should also be done in parts of the park close to motorized roads such as the eastern
part of Mataram man, the western and northern parts of Puring Park, and the western part of
Tebet o Park. Illustration of the recommendations can be seen in Figure 42.
5.1 Conclusion:
Vegetation in Taman Mataram consists of 18 types of vegetation with 154 individual
trees. Vegetation in Puring Park consists of 19 types of vegetation with 264 individual trees.
Vegetation in Tebet Eco Park consists of 22 types of vegetation with 90 individual trees. The
assessment of the ecological function of trees in each park using KPI shows that Mataram
Park has good vegetation in keeping the temperature cool, holding the wind, and absorbing
pollution, but is less good at reducing noise and controlling humidity. Puring Park has good
vegetation in resisting wind and absorbing pollution, but is less good at reducing noise,
controlling temperature, and controlling humidity. Tebet Eco Park has plants that are good at
reducing temperature, buffering wind and absorbing pollution, but less good at reducing
noise, and controlling humidity.
The distribution of questionnaires in the three parks showed that respondents felt that
the temperature modification and pollution absorption functions in the three parks were quite
good. The noise cancellation function works well in Mataram Park, but works moderately in
Puring Park and Tebet Eco Park. While the functions of air humidity control and windbreaks
in the parks are still working moderately according to respondents. Respondents also
understand that parks have an influence on ecological functions.
Comparison between KPI assessment and public perception shows conformity in the
function of absorbing pollution. Meanwhile, there is conformity in the comparison of the
temperature modification function at Mataram Park and Tebet Eco Park but not at Puring
Park. Comparisons also show comparative conformity in the function of noise cancellation in
Taman Puring and Tebet Eco Park, but not in Taman Mataram. Comparison to the function
of air humidity control shows a mismatch. Appropriate comparisons can support sustainability
in South Jakarta City.
