Kota merupakan kata penting untuk dibicarakan. Sebentar lagi Indonesia akan mengalami urbanisasi total, di mana penduduknya akan lebih banyak di kota. Sedangkan negara-negara maju, sudah mengalaminya beberapa dekade lalu. Lalu, kota-kota ini akan bersaing di dunia dalam suasana globalitas yang kompetitif.
Gupta (International Jurnal of Sustainable Development, 2013 ) dalam “The Challanges of Cities Today for Future City Life Through Sustainable CHALLENGES OF CITIES Development”, menegaskan bahwa “Kota paling kompetitif adalah kota yang mengantisipasi tantangan pertumbuhan dan keseimbangan pada 3 sasaran fundamental, yakni “economic competitiveness, quality of life, and environmental protection”. Dia melihat skenario masa depan sebagai berikut: “In the future, high-rise buildings will be like small towns, with homes, shops, workshops – even gardens and farms – all under one roof. The spaces around us will be flexible, changing to match our needs. Instead of owning things, we will pay to use a space or an item, then give it back, hand it off, or recycle after use. For example, we will invite friends to ride along in shared e-cars and rent space in community gardens. We may even order produce from our community gardens! Technology and fluidity will enable us to live efficient lives. Many people willwork from home, switching between business and leisure, the real and the virtual. Our new lifestyle will allow neighbors to join together in vibrant, dynamic communities.”
Apa yang diulas Gupta di atas, sebagiannya sudah dialami masyarakat Jakarta, seperti “small town” pada perumahan-perumahan besar, baik di Jakarta, maupun di Bodetabek. Meskipun tantangan efisiensi belum terwujud, baik dibidang energi, air maupun transportasi.
