Exploring the effect of compact development policy to urban quality of life in Bandung, Indonesia

The study explores whether Quality of Life (QOL) corresponds to the spatial pattern of urban system as a result of compact development policy practice in Bandung city, Indonesia. It examines the connection between life satisfaction and selected attributes of compact development. A self-reported life satisfaction was used as a proxy for QOL based on a cross-sectional survey data from 400 respondents. The analysis shows that the changes in QOL significantly correspond to the change of different attributes of compact development. The result suggests that urban densification as the main feature of compact development policies in Bandung has not shown a desirable result and proves to lower QOL of the urban residents. The result also indicates that compact development with densification, as its main feature, is less beneficial in the context of developing countries. The study strengthens the existing argument that compact development policies need to be tailored to suit the context of developing countries, rather than just be taken for granted from the practices in developed countries.

► We explore whether Quality of Life corresponds to the urban system. ► A self-reported life satisfaction was used as a proxy for QOL. ► Urban densification proves to lower QOL of the urban residents. ► Compact development policy is less beneficial in the context of developing countries.