Local Cultures – Global Spaces

Abstract

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The study explores the evolution of landscape and water representation in historical maps of Jakarta and Bogor. Maps serve as windows into the past, reflecting the dynamic interplay between human settlements and the landscape. This research delves into the transformation of these representations over time and their implications for contemporary urban water challenges, including flooding and sea level rise. The comprehensive analysis of historical maps divided into three key periods. Pre-colonial era maps reveal the intrinsic relationship between water and the kingdoms of Jakarta and Bogor. Early colonial maps illustrate how colonial powers exploited water for irrigation, thereby reshaping the landscape. Later colonial maps capture the shift towards modern planning, marked by a simplification of the landscape by its graphics such as topographic lines. Additionally, we examine modern maps used as planning tools, where water and topography have been increasingly marginalized in favour of road infrastructure and land use planning. Findings suggest a diminishing emphasis on topographic and water features in recent years, potentially contributing to neglecting them in planning, causes the increased risk of catastrophic flooding. Nevertheless, this research underscores the enduring significance of maps as powerful planning tools. This research offers critical insights into the changing representations of landscape and water on historical maps and their role in addressing pressing urban challenges. By reconnecting with historical cartographic practices, we envision a renewed emphasis on water in modern urban planning, paving the way for more resilient and sustainable cities.