Home Minister Tito Karnavian said cities are vital economic engines but also highly vulnerable to social problems if growth is poorly managed.
“If not handled properly, some groups will be left behind. Without education and competitiveness, they can fall into crime,” he said in a statement Monday.
He stressed that timely intervention is essential to ensure urban growth remains productive, inclusive and capable of improving residents’ quality of life.
Karnavian delivered the remarks while addressing a regional meeting of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI) in Banda Aceh.
He warned that uncontrolled urbanisation can lead to the expansion of slums, rising crime rates and increasing cost-of-living pressures in major cities.
Cities play a strategic role in Indonesia’s economy and are home to a large share of the population, making effective management critical, he said.
“If urban development is not properly planned, the long-term impact could be serious, from higher living costs to a decline in overall quality of life,” Karnavian added.
He underscored the importance of disciplined spatial planning, saying cities must be developed based on clear designs rather than growing without direction.
“A good city is one that is designed, not one that grows arbitrarily,” he said.
The minister also warned against inconsistent policies, particularly the conversion of green spaces into commercial zones, which can increase risks such as flooding.
He added that many Indonesian cities remain unfriendly to pedestrians and lack sufficient green open spaces, both of which are key to improving urban living conditions.
Karnavian urged local governments to strengthen planning, maintain environmental balance and ensure that urban development benefits all residents.
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Translator: Fianda, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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