Analysis of Perception, Intensity of Utilization, and Facility Needs in Riverbank Open Spaces: A Multi-Site Survey Study

Abstract

Riverbank open spaces in urban residential areas provide important environmental and social
functions, particularly in densely populated settlements with limited access to formal public
spaces. Despite growing interest in waterfront revitalisation, empirical evidence on user
satisfaction in informal riverbank settlements remains limited. This study evaluates public
perceptions, utilisation intensity, facility needs, and determinants of satisfaction in riverbank
open spaces along the Musi River, Palembang, Indonesia. A cross-sectional multi-site survey
of 499 respondents was analysed using reliability tests, descriptive statistics, the Kruskal
Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and robust regression. Results indicate high utilisation
intensity but only moderate satisfaction with existing conditions. Road quality, representing
accessibility, emerged as the strongest predictor of satisfaction, outweighing social cohesion
variables. Respondents prioritised waste bins, seating, lighting, and shade trees. The findings
provide a low-cost framework for inclusive riverbank regeneration by improving accessibility
and essential amenities in emerging cities (Grabowski et al., 2023a), , (Mouratidis, 2024)
(Sharifi, 2023); (Shi et al., 2025).