An East Javanese Village in 1953 and 1985: Observations on Development

Abstract

The author was part of a team of social scientists who travelled to the East Javanese village of Balearjo in both 1953 and 1985. This article details changes observed in village life between the 2 visits. Although somewhat poorer than the average village in East Java Balearjo is regarded as generally representative of the rural development process. Among the socioeconomic changes noted were higher productivity no less employment opportunity monetization of many activities and a weakening of feudal patron-client relations. A developing problem is that large landholders with high incomes spend the bulk of their income outside the village indicating a need to improve the efficiency of local industry and the quality and variety of its products. Remittances from emigrants central government subsidies for public works and sales of rice and other products comprise the main sources of village income. On the other side potential village income is drained by absentee landlords purchases of city goods such as radios maintenance of young people at schools outside the village and trips to Mecca. The total fertility rate for East Java was 3.6 children/woman in the late 1970s. of the 961 couples in Balearjo in 1982 724 were family planning acceptors (of whom 604 were using oral contraception). Oppportunities for women in economic activities outside the home remain limited. It is concluded that the immediate need in Javanese villages is for small industry e.g. clothing ceramics furniture. However efficient industries producing attractive goods at prices competitive with those for goods available from outside will require considerable organizational and entrepreneurial talent.