Urbanization Seen from Village Perspective

Migration of people from rural to urban areas is usually only seen from the perspective of urban areas as a potential problem. Actually, from a village perspective, urbanization has both positive and negative impacts.

The traditional homecoming, or mudik, is a clear proof of urbanization. The term homecoming arises because residents do not live in their ancestral hometowns. As Idul Fitri arrives, the discourse is shifting to a question of how to overcome traffic jams on the way to the hometowns. It is estimated that 85 million people will make homebound trips for the holiday festivities this year.

During the return journey, it is not only traffic congestion that will concern the government. The policymakers in the city are also worried about the increasing number of people travelling to the city, as homecoming holiday visitors often bring relatives or friends back to the city with them.