Integrated Regional Planning Strategy to Address the Challenges of Mega Urban Regions in Java

Abstract

The formation of Mega Urban Areas in Java Province reflects profound spatial and socio-economic changes triggered by rapid urbanization and regional development. This process is characterized by the expansion and consolidation of various metropolitan areas into vast urban belts, particularly in the Jakarta-Bandung region, creating a complex mosaic of urban and rural areas. These mega urban areas demonstrate the dynamic interplay between urban growth, infrastructure development, and governance challenges, including the management of fragmented areas resulting from regional government autonomy. This article examines the spatial patterns, socio-economic implications, and governance frameworks shaping mega urbanization in Java, highlighting the continuities and changes observed in urban expansion, infrastructure connectivity, and economic activity. The findings emphasize the need for integrated regional planning to address the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of these rapidly expanding urban areas.