Redefining Order in Urban Areas: A Case Study of the Morphology of Medan and Palembang Cities

Abstract

Modern urban planning, which developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, established order as a fundamental principle in shaping urban structures. However, in the context of urban areas in Indonesia, not all cities exhibit a uniform pattern of spatial order. This study compares two provincial capitals—Medan and Palembang—which represent two contrasting poles in terms of urban spatial organization. Medan tends to exhibit a more regular and planned urban structure, while Palembang displays a more organic and unstructured pattern of urban growth. The aim of this study is to identify the factors that contribute to these differences and to understand how urban order is formed within each specific context. The study employs a conceptual framework based on Marshall’s (2009) theories of systematic order and characteristic order, as well as Doxiadis’s (1968) concept of ekistics, to examine both the physical and social dimensions of urban order.A qualitative method is used, incorporating descriptive analysis through literature review, spatial interpretation, and historical analysis. The findings reveal that urban order is shaped by four main elements: the city’s physical network, natural conditions, social dynamics, and economic structure. These elements interact in complex ways to produce the unique characteristics of urban order in each city. This research contributes to the development of urban planning theory by highlighting the importance of understanding the local context in the creation and maintenance of urban order.