The development of suburban housing: Between needs and sustainability challenges

The development of suburban housing by developers continues to increase along with population growth and the need for affordable housing. This phenomenon provides economic opportunities but also poses serious challenges in the context of sustainable development. This study adopts a descriptive-qualitative research design, focusing on the case of Jakarta's suburban buffer zone to examine development patterns, spatial transformations, and emerging sustainability issues. This study analyzes how suburban housing development practices meet the principles of sustainable development, including environmental, social, and economic aspects. Previous research findings show that many developers focus on physical expansion without considering land conservation, water resource management, and efficient transportation connectivity. The impacts are fragmentation of natural habitats, increased carbon emissions, and reduced quality of life due to lack of public facilities and green open spaces. However, several innovative projects have begun to adopt the concept of green cities with a sustainable spatial approach, use of environmentally friendly materials, and integration of social infrastructure. The findings indicate that although some improvements have emerged, suburban housing development remains insufficiently aligned with sustainability principles, particularly in terms of transit integration, equitable access, and long-term environmental resilience. This study emphasizes the importance of government regulation, developer awareness, and community participation in encouraging more inclusive and sustainable housing development. With the right approach, suburban housing development can not only meet housing needs but also support environmental sustainability and long-term social welfare.