Spaces for the living and the dead: Optimising cemeteries as sustainable urban green spaces

Abstract

Being one of the major cities in Indonesia, Makassar is experiencing rapid growth but struggles to meet the statutory minimum requirement of 20% public green open space, achieving only 5.95%. At the same time, there is a pressing need for cemetery land, with projections indicating a shortage from 2023 to 2027. Cemeteries, as integral components of urban green space, present an opportunity to address both green space and burial land needs. This study examines the physical and spatial conditions, community opinions, and government regulations regarding Makassar’s cemeteries. The analysis aims to develop strategies for enhancing traditional burial system cemeteries, reflecting the faith of the majority, as functional green spaces, while at the same time increasing their burial capacity. Findings reveal that vegetation cover across all cemeteries in Makassar is only 25.5%, and 29.2% for government- managed ones, both far below the required 80%. This necessitates urgent need to increase vegetation. To maximise green space, the study suggests specific planting patterns that enable the addition of the most trees and provide the highest potential vegetation cover. For Islamic cemeteries, a regular planting pattern using medium-sized trees placed every two rows of graves is recommended to maintain order and symmetry. In contrast, for Christian cemeteries, a more random planting pattern is advised to reflect diversity. Small trees are suggested along roadways and pathways, while large trees should be planted wherever space allows. Implementing these patterns in government-managed cemeteries could increase vegetation cover in Makassar’s public cemeteries from 29.2 to 57.5%. Additionally, the careful selection of appropriate vegetation types is crucial to achieving these goals.

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