A Study of Green Open Space in Pematang Raya City in Supporting the Development of Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra Province

Abstract

Urban development in Indonesia faces increasingly complex challenges, particularly in balancing infrastructure expansion with environmental sustainability. This study aimed to assess the existing conditions of green open space (GOS) in Pematang Raya, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra Province, identify factors affecting its availability and management, and formulate strategies to optimize its contribution to sustainable regional development. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through direct field observations, in-depth interviews with key informants, including government officials, green open space managers, and local community members, and reviews of official spatial planning documents. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicated that the provision and management of green open space in Pematang Raya remained suboptimal in terms of quantity, quality, and spatial distribution. The study identified a shortfall relative to the minimum green open space allocation of 30% of urban area stipulated in Law No. 26 of 2007 concerning Spatial Planning, comprising 20% public green open space and 10% private green open space. Green open spaces were unevenly distributed, with greater concentration around government administrative centers and limited availability in densely populated residential areas. The principal constraints included increasing development pressure, land-use conversion, limited budget allocations, inadequate interagency coordination, and insufficient community participation. The study recommended strengthening green open space provisions in spatial planning policies, identifying suitable land for green corridors and riverbank vegetation while observing applicable land-use restrictions, improving the quality and accessibility of existing green spaces, and adopting green city planning principles to integrate ecological protection, social well-being, and economic development. These strategies could support more equitable green open space provision and contribute to sustainable development in Simalungun Regency.