Fences Cannot Enclose Trust

The gate of a shopping centre is usually a symbol of openness. People come to work, shop, meet family, or simply enjoy the urban space. That meaning has shifted with the erection of tall fences at a number of malls.

Not only do they alter the appearance of buildings, the fences also generate various interpretations among the public. Some consider them a reasonable security measure, whilst others see them as a symbol of unnecessary anxiety.

The phenomenon has drawn the attention of local governments. In Surabaya, Mayor Eri Cahyadi has urged mall managers not to build high fences because they can detract from the city’s aesthetics, whilst simultaneously creating the impression that society is facing a major threat.

The Surabaya city administration is choosing a path of coordination, not confrontation. The fences are not being asked to be dismantled, but rather adjusted so they can still fulfil a safety function without creating a sense of fear.

A similar stance has emerged in Jakarta, where Governor Pramono Anung asked mall and office managers to remove newly installed fences because the capital’s condition is still considered safe.

Behind the physical issue of the fences lies a much larger question. What kind of city does Indonesia want to build? A city that strengthens mutual trust, or a city filled with boundaries that make everyone feel they must always be on guard?

Modern urban development is no longer measured solely by the number of skyscrapers or magnificent shopping centres. A city’s quality is also judged by its ability to provide public spaces that are safe, comfortable, pedestrian-friendly, and open to all citizens.

Fences do have a function. In urban design, barriers are needed to direct circulation, protect assets, and reduce the potential for accidents. However, when their scale becomes excessive, fences can convey a different message. Spaces that should invite the public instead feel exclusive. People no longer see buildings as part of the city, but rather as fortresses separating themselves from their surroundings.