Negotiation Abstract and Social Space in the Development of Kampung Bekelir: A Study of Multi-Actor Collaboration in Tangerang City

This study is important because it provides a different understanding of Henri Lefebvre’s concept of the production of space, particularly in Kampung Bekelir, Tangerang City, where negotiation rather than domination becomes more apparent. The development process of Kampung Bekelir involved various actors, including NGOs, the city government, residents, and the private sector. A qualitative approach was employed in this research, utilizing in-depth interviews, field observations, literature reviews, and official government documents. The findings reveal that Lefebvre’s concepts of abstract and social space occur simultaneously during the kampung development process. Abstract space is represented by external actors, such as the Public Policy NGO and the city government, who bring ideas and resources. However, instead of the usual contestation or domination associated with abstract space, the development process was marked by negotiation emphasizing the alignment of abstract space actors with social space. This collaboration illustrates a more participatory and bottom-up approach to development. In addition to supporting the local government’s RPJMD program and city branding efforts, the development of Kampung Bekelir also improved the kampung’s image and boosted residents’ economic conditions. This study demonstrates that abstract space does not always oppress social space, rather, it can synergize under certain contexts through equitable collaboration. The research contributes to the understanding of urban space production based on multi-actor collaboration in urban areas.