Migration and City Optimization

While efforts are being made to achieve an equal development distribution, migration still occurs in new economic areas. Without strengthening the carrying capacity, there will be no welfare for the residents.

KOMPAS/ERIKA KURNIA

Activities on the roads and sidewalks on Jalan KH Mas Mansyur, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, Friday (5/5/2023). Sidewalks are closed for street vendors. Pedestrians must also use the bicycle path on the roadside.

A report by Kompas research and development (R&D)does not only describe changes in the migrant destination cities, but also the conditions of their carrying capacity.

Using the Livable Area Index with social, environmental, economic and infrastructural parameters, it appears that the 10 main migrant destinations are actually not very attractive to live in.

With an index range of 0-1, in which the closer the index to one means the more livable, Sleman regency, Bekasi regency, Bekasi city, Tangerang regency, Tangerang city, Deli Serdang regency, Depok city, Bandung regency, Bandung city and Bogor regency are apparently not yet feasible to live in. The index is only about 0.5.

Also read:

> Equal Development Distribution, Migration Control

> Main Migration Destinations Still Have Many Problems

Migration patterns like this, if analyzed with additional supporting data, such as age, level of education, type of expertise, as well as the availability of jobs along with the level of wages, can provide a clearer picture.

Considering that Indonesia is currently in a demographic bonus period, with a higher number of productive ages than children and the elderly, it could be that those who have just graduated are still following the old pattern. They are looking for work in the areas of Jakarta, Surabaya City, Medan City and so on as economic centers, but live in buffer zones because their income is not sufficient.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Miswono brought his family and wife across Jalan Raya Solo-Yogyakarta, in Klaten, Central Java, Friday (5/5/2023) using a motorbike from Purbalingga, Central Java to Surabaya, East Java. Some informal sector workers choose to travel back and forth a few days after the peak of return traffic to avoid the risk of congestion.

The cost of living is high, housing prices are too expensive, and the physical or social environment is limited, forcing them to choose to live in satellite cities in buffer zones. Infrastructure and public transportation, especially in Jakarta, make it easier for them to get to work. Even though these satellite cities have a low livability index, at least basic needs, such as hospitals, schools and places of worship, are available.

Thus, there are still many things that need to be addressed so that every citizen, wherever they live and work, can live in prosperity. Increasing the livable index is clearly a priority with equitable development in a broad sense as the key, including distributing funds to the regions by supervising its implementation.

Also read:

> Jakarta No Longer a Migration Destination

The choice of using village funds is very important, because in reality many village heads have chosen to spend the village funds to build flashy offices rather than developing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), repairing damaged roads, or improving school and health center facilities.

We must build cities that are highly competitive and attractive for investment, as well as meeting the needs of their inhabitants. No less important, Indonesia needs to focus on developing several types of skills that are adaptive to industrial developments and the times. This way, not only the city but also its citizens are able to compete in the global manufacturing industry investment.

This article was translated by Kurnia Siswo.