Publication: Urbanization and Economic Growth in Indonesia : Good News, Bad News, and (Possible) Local Government Mitigation
Date
2013-01-08
ISSN
0034-3404
Published
2013-01-08
Author(s)
Lewis, Blane D.
Abstract
Time series analysis for Indonesia over the period 1960-2009 suggests that the level of
urbanization is positively associated with economic growth but that the rate of change of
urbanization is negatively correlated with growth of economic output. A sub-national
dynamic panel investigation provides additional evidence of the positive and negative level
and rate effects, respectively. The panel analysis also implies that the harmful impact of
urban population growth is linked to insufficient local public infrastructure spending. Local
governments that invest more heavily in infrastructure are better able to cope with the
apparent detrimental effects of rapid urbanization on economic growth.