Economic Empowerment of Squatter Communities in Tangerang City: Tridaya Program Perspective

Abstract

Squatter communities are commonly categorized as illegal slum settlements because they occupy land without legal ownership, most of which belongs to the government or the private sector. To address this issue, the Tangerang City Government has implemented the Tridaya program, which emphasizes three dimensions: economic empowerment, improvement of the physical environment, and socio-cultural development. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the Tridaya program and its effectiveness in improving the welfare and quality of life of squatter communities. The study employs a mixed-methods design with an evaluative orientation. Quantitative data were collected through purposive sampling, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews with key stakeholders in four locations: Babakan Village, Mekarsari Village, Kedaung Wetan RT 03/03, and Kedaung Wetan RT 02/03. The findings indicate that from an economic perspective, 51.72 percent of respondents earn between Rp200,000 and Rp500,000 per month, with most engaged in informal and irregular employment. Manual laborers account for 40.22 percent of respondents, followed by street vendors at 27.58 percent. From the perspective of the physical environment, housing conditions are generally very poor and fail to meet basic standards of adequacy and health. From a socio-cultural perspective, educational attainment is low, with 89.56 percent of respondents having completed no more than junior high school. Overall, the results suggest that economic empowerment through the Tridaya program has not yet been optimal, as community welfare and quality of life remain low. The study recommends affirmative and community-based policies that prioritize sustainable economic activities, humane settlement planning, and the strengthening of socio-cultural capacity as social capital for local development.