Title: The spatial dynamics of the Semarang-Surakarta development corridor: two young metropolitan cities of Central Java, Indonesia

Authors: Imam Buchori; Lintang Rahmayana; Anang Wahyu Sejati; Pangi Pangi; Yudi Basuki; Angrenggani Pramitasari

Addresses: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Indonesia ' Centre of Geomatics Application for Sustainable Development, Diponegoro University, Indonesia ' Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Indonesia ' Department of Civil Engineering and Planning, School of Vocation, Diponegoro University, Indonesia ' Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Indonesia ' Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Podomoro University, Indonesia

Abstract: The interactions between metropolitan cities can generate so-called development corridors along the regional lines. In Central Java, three cities, namely Yogyakarta (Jogya), Surakarta (Solo), and Semarang, form a triangular development known as Joglosemar. This study aimed to observe the spatial dynamics of the Semarang-Surakarta corridor, regarding the operation of the new toll road connecting these two cities. Spatial analyses based on the geographic information system (GIS) were applied to observe the land-use change in the corridor. Statistical analyses focused on population shift, the poor, and employment at the sub-district (kecamatan) level. The empirical findings confirm previous studies, in that the regional development follows regional lines along both arterial and toll roads, and the existence of the toll road was the magnet for the development. However, the increase in industrial activities did not always benefit the poor, especially in the sub-districts where industrial activities have been developing in the longer term. For this reason, we recommend that local governments consider how to make the positive impacts of industrial development sustainable. The results of this study are also expected to enrich the literature on the spatial dynamics of a development corridor connecting two medium-sized metropolitan cities in developing countries.

Keywords: spatial dynamics; development corridor; toll road; urbanisation; geographic information system; GIS; urban sustainability; Indonesia.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.121304

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2022 Vol.18 No.2, pp.111 - 134

Received: 31 Jan 2020
Accepted: 08 Jan 2021
Published online: 04 Mar 2022 *

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