Spatial Utilization and Children’s Social Interaction: A Behavioral Geography Study at Child Friendly Integrated Public Space (RPTRA) Rawa Badak Utara, Jakarta

Abstract

Limited green open space in densely populated urban areas makes public spaces increasingly important. Under land constraints, the use of space shapes children’s opportunities for social interaction. This study analyzes patterns of space use at RPTRA Rawa Badak Utara and their role in supporting children’s social interaction. This descriptive qualitative study applies a behavioral geography approach and draws on field observations, interviews, and documentation to examine activity types, use characteristics, and intensity of use. The findings show an imbalance in space use: children concentrate in four active areas, the sports field, hall, amphitheater, and playground, where cooperative and associative play predominate. The library and reading room remain passive because access is restricted, illustrating constraining affordances. Parallel play occurs sporadically in response to group exclusion. Children’s social interactions are therefore uneven across spatial units, and physical facilities alone do not ensure interaction without adequate access. The study shows how affordance theory and time geography can be integrated to analyze children’s spatial behavior. In practice, accessibility policies in passive spaces should be reviewed, while active spaces should be maintained to support children’s social interaction.