Positioning brand of a satellite city through spatial and perceptual computing: the case of Indonesia's New Capital transition

Abstract The transformation of global urban areas has given rise to a strategic need for city branding, especially in satellite cities in developing countries that serve as extensions of major metropolitan cities. However, a significant gap remains in understanding how spatial centrality and public acceptability interact in shaping a city brand, especially in satellite cities at the transitional stages of development, as evidenced by Balikpapan, the satellite city of Indonesia's New Capital, Nusantara. This paper investigates the development of satellite city identity through a dual approach, focusing on spatial centrality and city brand acceptability. Drawing on Spatial Design Network Analysis (SDNA) metrics and perceptual indicators derived from Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the research investigates how geographic structure and emotional engagement collectively influence city identity. The five fundamental components of city brand acceptance consist of experiential and emotional attachment, awareness of city identity, infrastructure and comfort, urban environment and safety, and willingness to stay in the long term. However, a discrepancy exists between spatial aspects and city brand acceptance, as areas with high levels of accessibility and comfort do not necessarily correspond to a strong sense of city identity. Conversely, peripheral areas with lower spatial centrality may exhibit stronger emotional ties. This study recommends urban planning strategies that require central areas to be symbolically reinforced through narrative design and spatial formation, while peripheral areas with emotional resonance need to be preserved through improved connectivity to strengthen sustainable satellite city branding. This article contributes methodologically to the integration of spatial data computation and perception, with practical implications for adaptive city branding policies, particularly in competition with other satellite cities.