Modern Cities Need to Engage Communities as Drivers of Growth
The growth of self-contained cities cannot be measured solely by the construction of housing, infrastructure, and commercial facilities. The social activities formed within these areas are also a vital part of creating a vibrant environment, encouraging interaction, and building relationships between residents and the surrounding community. This concept aligns with the ‘placemaking’ theory from the Project for Public Spaces, which positions social interaction as a key element in creating lively and characterised urban spaces.
The importance of social connection is also a focus of the World Health Organisation (WHO) through its Commission on Social Connection for 2025. The institution highlights the link between social connection and the health and well-being of the population.
In Tangerang, the development of a self-contained urban area is evident in Paramount Petals. This approximately 400-hectare area in the western corridor of Jakarta was introduced in 2021. To date, more than 1,500 units have been built, with over 1,000 units handed over and inhabited by more than 700 families. As the number of residents increases, it has been followed by the development of various spaces and activities that encourage social interaction within the area.
Sales & Marketing Director of Paramount Land, Ferry John Sihombing, stated that community building is part of the process of forming an environment that does not just provide a place to live, but also fosters a sense of belonging. “Building a community is not merely about providing entertainment activities, but about creating a healthier environment capable of fostering a sense of belonging,” Ferry noted on Wednesday.
According to Ferry, through the “Growth is Certain” campaign, area development is accompanied by various community engagement activities. These activities serve as a space for the public to meet, engage in physical activities, exercise, support MSMEs, and celebrate various milestones together.
Community activities are growing within the area. A number of community and sporting events are held regularly, including on weekends. One such example is the Petals Urban Market, which combines sports, culinary, entertainment, and an MSME bazaar. These activities are reported to attract up to thousands of visitors and serve as a meeting point for residents and the wider public.
Community activity was also evident during the 81st Independence Day celebrations of the Republic of Indonesia. Through the Paramount Petals Cup 2026, the area hosted women’s volleyball and football competitions for football schools (SSB). These competitions involved various sports clubs from villages and sub-districts in the Curug District, bringing together area managers with the government, youth organisations (Karang Taruna), sports communities, and the local community.
The spirit of togetherness continued through the Paramount Petals Independence Celebration held on 22 August 2026 at the Paramount Petals Modern Market. Carrying the theme “Synergy in Togetherness,” the event featured group exercise, MSME and local culinary bazaars, traditional games for children and adults, and art performances from local communities.
The interactions formed within the area are also linked to economic activity. The presence of MSME bazaars and local entrepreneurs provides space for small businesses to interact directly with the public and potential consumers. In the long term, these activities can become part of the area’s economic dynamics. An active community also has the potential to be a factor in shaping the area’s attractiveness to residents, businesses, and investors.
Furthermore, facilities supporting daily activities continue to expand, including the Bethsaida Clinic, Paramount Petals Community Club, Paramount Petals Modern Market, and Paramount Petals Taman Rasa. This development demonstrates that the construction of self-contained cities is not just about an increasing number of buildings and facilities. When residents, communities, businesses, and the surrounding public begin to interact regularly, social activities are formed that become an integral part of the area’s life.
As the area grows, Paramount Petals has stated it will continue to develop various community engagement activities as part of its efforts to build interaction and togetherness within the environment.