| dc.description.abstract | AYU HARTANTI. Strategy for Reducing Inequality in Southern West Java, supervised by TANTI NOVIANTI and DEDI BUDIMAN HAKIM.
West Java Province is widely recognised as an advanced development hub; however, its growth is not evenly distributed across all regions. Over the past five years, Williamson Index data indicate that the highest inter-district disparity occurs in the southern part of the province (JBBS). Distinct regional characteristics have created pronounced development gaps between advanced and lagging areas, with JBBS standing out as comparatively underdeveloped. This situation underscores the need for more targeted policies to achieve equitable economic growth and welfare across West Java's districts and municipalities.
This study aims to: (1) identify key economic sectors suitable for development to enhance local economies in each JBBS district; (2) analyse the influence of economic growth, road quality, population size, and the Human Development Index (HDI) on development inequality in JBBS; and (3) formulate strategies to reduce regional disparities. Both primary and secondary data were employed. Primary data were collected through expert interviews and questionnaires using purposive sampling, while secondary data were obtained from relevant governmental publications, literature reviews, and policy documents. Analytical methods included Location Quotient (LQ), Shift Share Analysis (SSA), panel data regression, and MULTIPOL (Multicriteria Policy Analysis). The findings reveal that agriculture, forestry, and fisheries remain the primary base sectors in JBBS, while trade, agroindustry, tourism, and transportation are emerging as potential drivers of economic transformation. Regional inequality is influenced by: (1) non-inclusive economic growth concentrated in specific sectors; (2) rapid population increases without corresponding improvements in human capital and employment opportunities; (3) limited road infrastructure hindering the distribution of goods, services, and public facilities; and (4) a low HDI, signaling the need for enhanced education, health,
and overall well being.
To address these disparities, the study recommends a five-pillar strategy: (1) accelerating regional connectivity; (2) promoting local economic development through downstream processing and industrialisation; (3) ensuring equitable access to education and healthcare; (4) reformulating fiscal policies to strengthen regional autonomy; and (5) enhancing sustainable environmental governance. Among these, improving connectivity and road infrastructure is considered the foremost priority, as it underpins the success of other pillars by reducing logistics costs, expanding market access, and creating new economic opportunities.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Southern West Java, Development Inequality, Key Economic Sectors | |
