Slums As A Result Of Urbanization In The City Of Medand

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 56 views

**Slums as a Result of Urbanization in the City of Medan: Understanding the Social and Economic Characteristics of Citizens**

Introduction

The rapid urbanization in Medan has led to a significant impact on settlement conditions in various regions, including the emergence of slums. One of the affected areas is Kelurahan Kampung Baru, Medan Maimun District. This study aims to understand the social and economic characteristics of citizens who live in slums, the factors that influence their decision to live there, as well as the relationship between economic and social conditions that encourage these phenomena.

Urbanization is a complex and multifaceted process that has been transforming cities around the world. In the case of Medan, the rapid growth of the city has led to an influx of people from rural areas, seeking better economic opportunities and a higher quality of life. However, this growth has also led to the emergence of slums, which are characterized by inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services such as education and healthcare.

Methodology

This study employed qualitative research methods, including observation, interviews, and the distribution of questionnaires. The data obtained were presented in descriptive form, providing a detailed understanding of the social and economic characteristics of citizens living in slums.

The study focused on Kelurahan Kampung Baru, Medan Maimun District, which is one of the most affected areas by slums in Medan. The research team conducted observations and interviews with residents, as well as distributed questionnaires to gather data on their social and economic characteristics.

Results

The results of the study showed that the majority of residents living in this slum had a relatively low level of education and knowledge. Their jobs were mostly in the informal sector, and the income earned was insufficient to meet the needs of life in the city of Medan, which is getting higher.

The study also found that economic, social, and cultural factors become dominant and influence citizens' decisions to remain in a slum. Limited education, non-permanent jobs, and customs that are rooted in the local community strengthen their bond with a slum environment. In addition, their presence in the railroad area that is no longer active and the edge of the Deli River gives them access to stay at no cost, which makes them reluctant to move even in difficult conditions.

Factors Influencing the Emergence of Slums

The study identified several factors that influence the emergence of slums in Kampung Baru Village. These factors include:

Limited education: Residents living in slums have a relatively low level of education and knowledge, which limits their access to better job opportunities and higher income.
Non-permanent jobs: The majority of residents living in slums have non-permanent jobs, which are characterized by low income and limited job security.
Customs and traditions: Residents living in slums are often influenced by customs and traditions that are rooted in the local community, which strengthens their bond with a slum environment.
Access to land: The presence of the railroad area that is no longer active and the edge of the Deli River gives residents access to stay at no cost, which makes them reluctant to move even in difficult conditions.

Relationship between Economic and Social Conditions

The study found a close relationship between the economic and social conditions of citizens with the emergence of a slum. In the absence of a prohibition from the Medan City Government and PT. The Indonesian Railroad (KAI) against the occupation of the area, residents feel safe to stay even though in an inappropriate condition. This shows the need for attention and intervention from the government to deal with slums issues with a more holistic approach.

Conclusion

This study aimed to understand the social and economic characteristics of citizens who live in slums, the factors that influence their decision to live there, as well as the relationship between economic and social conditions that encourage these phenomena. The results of the study showed that economic, social, and cultural factors become dominant and influence citizens' decisions to remain in a slum.

The study also found a close relationship between the economic and social conditions of citizens with the emergence of a slum. In the absence of a prohibition from the Medan City Government and PT. The Indonesian Railroad (KAI) against the occupation of the area, residents feel safe to stay even though in an inappropriate condition.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improving access to education: The government should provide better access to education for residents living in slums, which will improve their job opportunities and income.
Providing stable job opportunities: The government should provide stable job opportunities for residents living in slums, which will improve their income and job security.
Decent infrastructure development: The government should provide decent infrastructure development for residents living in slums, which will improve their living conditions and access to basic services.
Holistic approach to addressing slums: The government should adopt a holistic approach to addressing slums, which includes addressing the economic, social, and cultural factors that influence the emergence of slums.

By implementing these recommendations, the government can help improve the quality of life of citizens living in slums and reduce the incidence of slums in Medan.

Q: What are slums, and how do they affect the city of Medan?

A: Slums are areas of a city where people live in poverty, often in inadequate housing and with limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. In Medan, slums have emerged as a result of rapid urbanization, leading to overcrowding, poor living conditions, and social and economic problems.

Q: What are the main causes of slums in Medan?

A: The main causes of slums in Medan include:

Rapid urbanization: The rapid growth of the city has led to an influx of people from rural areas, seeking better economic opportunities and a higher quality of life.
Limited access to education and job opportunities: Residents living in slums often have limited access to education and job opportunities, leading to poverty and poor living conditions.
Customs and traditions: Residents living in slums are often influenced by customs and traditions that are rooted in the local community, which strengthens their bond with a slum environment.
Access to land: The presence of the railroad area that is no longer active and the edge of the Deli River gives residents access to stay at no cost, which makes them reluctant to move even in difficult conditions.

Q: What are the social and economic characteristics of citizens living in slums?

A: The social and economic characteristics of citizens living in slums include:

Low level of education: Residents living in slums have a relatively low level of education and knowledge, which limits their access to better job opportunities and higher income.
Non-permanent jobs: The majority of residents living in slums have non-permanent jobs, which are characterized by low income and limited job security.
Limited access to basic services: Residents living in slums often have limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation.

Q: What are the challenges faced by the government in addressing slums in Medan?

A: The challenges faced by the government in addressing slums in Medan include:

Limited resources: The government has limited resources to address the social and economic problems faced by residents living in slums.
Complexity of the issue: The issue of slums is complex and multifaceted, requiring a holistic approach to address the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence the emergence of slums.
Resistance from residents: Residents living in slums may resist efforts to relocate or improve their living conditions, due to cultural and traditional factors.

Q: What are the recommendations for addressing slums in Medan?

A: The recommendations for addressing slums in Medan include:

Improving access to education: The government should provide better access to education for residents living in slums, which will improve their job opportunities and income.
Providing stable job opportunities: The government should provide stable job opportunities for residents living in slums, which will improve their income and job security.
Decent infrastructure development: The government should provide decent infrastructure development for residents living in slums, which will improve their living conditions and access to basic services.
Holistic approach to addressing slums: The government should adopt a holistic approach to addressing slums, which includes addressing the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence the emergence of slums.

Q: What is the role of the community in addressing slums in Medan?

A: The community plays a crucial role in addressing slums in Medan. Residents living in slums should be involved in the planning and implementation of initiatives to improve their living conditions and access to basic services. The community can also provide support and resources to help residents living in slums to improve their socio-economic status.

Q: What is the future of slums in Medan?

A: The future of slums in Medan is uncertain. However, with the implementation of initiatives to improve access to education, job opportunities, and infrastructure development, it is possible to reduce the incidence of slums in Medan. The government, community, and residents living in slums must work together to address the social and economic problems faced by residents living in slums and to improve their living conditions.