Spatial Development of Towns and Their Potential in Strengthening Rural-Urban Linkages in Kabupaten Semarang

Abstract

Contemporary urbanization process in Indonesia has been entering a regional-based process, which is indicated by the expansion of existing cities and the emergence of small towns in hinterland areas. Semarang Regency is a nonurban district that become hinterland area that is affected by urban extension from Semarang City. The urbanization process in Semarang Regency is characterized by the emergence of towns as urban areas on the outskirts of. This research aims to analyze the development of towns in Semarang Regency using GIS assistance and analyzing their potential in strengthening rural-urban linkages. In addition to GIS method, this research employs descriptive qualitative method. Data collected through document and literature review, which is enriched by primary data collection through observation and interviews. The analysis used descriptive qualitative analysis. To strengthen the argument, analysis is assisted by using scalogram, ISM, LQ, and spatial analysis in the form of network analysis. There are many towns developed in Semarang Regency that tend to be concentrated in the north-west area, adjacent to Semarang City. The development of these towns is supported by the development of public service facilities. In addition to be the public service centers, the towns have potential roles as, processing and marketing centers. However, there is only one town, Bandungan, which has the roles as a center for marketing and public services. Therefore, the regency needs to have facilities development in many towns in order to strengthen the towns’ roles in strengthening rural-urban linkages in the region.