Homecoming and Urbanization

The impact of urbanization is an issue because it is ignored in city development. Pay attention to the carrying capacity of the environment and spatial layout.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

Returning flow of travelers using the train and leaving Pasar Senen Station, Jakarta, Wednesday (17/4/2024).

This week, the return of migrant travelers flows into various urban areas throughout Indonesia. The migrants return to and once again pack the outlying areas, unintentionally bringing urban problems to the surface.

This reverse flow is often associated with the issue of urbanization. In fact, urbanization is actually the process of an area becoming a city. However, the public has already understood the movement of people from villages to cities as urbanization.

Urbanization is also closely related to Eid as it is customary for migrants to return to the city after celebrating the festival with their families in their hometowns, along with their relatives. The city, which consistently serves as a center for development and economic activities, promises more opportunities for wealth than in the village.

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Thanks to this habit, the urban population increases after every Lebaran (a major Muslim holiday in Indonesia). In reality, migration from one area to another occurs all the time. The migration that fuels urbanization in Indonesia is now more evenly spread, not just in Jakarta.

Cities, as their main characteristic, will always be dense, full of people and activities.

The National Development Planning Agency, in the Projection of Indonesia's Population 2010-2030, reveals that the percentage of urban population is increasing evenly in all provinces. In 2020, the urbanization rate in Indonesia is 56.7 percent. By 2035, it will reach 66.6 percent.

The main characteristic of a city is an area with a limited area followed by a high population density, the center of all activities, and the main activities are non-agricultural.

Urbanization is influenced by population growth in urban areas, migration from other areas, and the reclassification of rural areas as part of urban areas.

Also read: Urban Journalism for the Earth's 7.9 Billion People

In addition to the 98 areas with administrative city status, Indonesia has 416 district capitals that have become cities. In addition, there are special economic zones (KEK) and industrial areas that contribute to the accelerated expansion of urban areas.

BAPPENAS

Screenshot of Indonesian Population Projections 2010-2030 from Bappenas

With this even distribution of urbanization, it is not surprising that the number of new immigrants in Jakarta tends to decrease.

Urbanization is the main pillar of the regional and national economy, and can bring progress and prosperity to a nation. However, negative side effects arise when the impact of urbanization is not anticipated early on.

In Indonesia, the anticipation for these issues is still minimal. Cities are now trapped in problems of clean water availability, floods, waste management, difficulty in fulfilling housing needs for the people, congestion, and social inequality.

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As their main characteristic, cities will always be dense, crowded with people and activities. How city managers, namely the central and regional governments, ensure the development of areas in accordance with environmental carrying capacity, comply with spatial planning regulations, and prioritize comfortable living spaces for humans to lift the city out of all its problems.

Moreover, the demand to become a modern city that is globally competitive must be humane, upholding environmentally and sustainably conscious development.

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