VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Urbanization or migration from rural to urban is an ongoing phenomenon in big cities, such as Jakarta post-Lebaran or Idul Fitri. It cannot be denied that the big city is still considered by the villagers as very promising place for the improvement of their life. Big cities are considered to have many better job opportunities than in the villages.

Researcher of Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS), Imelda Freddy disclosed that every year, the rate of urbanization will continue to increase. This is natural because every big city has its own charm that encourages the villagers to come.

Meanwhile, Head of Presidential Staff, Moeldoko said that post-Idul Fitri, the urbanization is natural and must be responded wisely so that the urbanized people do not become burdened by the city government, but they cannot be rejected to come. According to Moeldoko, the villagers should be given an understanding if they want to try their fortune in big cities. Before leaving, they should have the assurance of work and residence in the city. Urbanization without a clear purpose will pose problems not only for them, but also the destination city. 

Deputy Governor of Jakarta, Sandiaga Uno hopes that the newcomers in Jakarta really have  enough skills. So, they can be independent and improving their welfare.

Professor of Economic Sociology at Airlangga University, Surabaya, Bagong Suyanto said that urbanization will not stop until there is even distribution of development. The economic imbalance between rural and urban areas is one of the reasons for the high rate of urbanization. Bagong viewed that the current Village Funds program can be the key to improving village development and economy. The program is expected to open many new jobs.

Minister of Village, Development of Underdeveloped Regions, and Transmigration, Eko Putro Sandjojo remarked that the development undertaken in rural areas so far has been able to reduce the number of urbanization. Through the development, some jobs are created in the villages so that this can spur economic equity. New employment as a result of massive development in the villages is also expected to attract the urbanized people to be willing to work in their respective areas of origin.

Any phenomenon, if examined the true cause of the emergence, and alternative solutions, must have a solution. It is expected that the Village Fund program can be utilized to promote development in the villages. This is aimed at creating employment for the rural communities. If this condition occurs, urbanization figures are expected to continue to decrease from year to year, and economic conditions in the villages will improve.