Page 127 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Internal migration in Indonesia

aligns with the findings of Cattaneo and Robinson (2020) movements. The selection of six major migration clusters
and Chen et al. (2021), who argued that internal migration was based on a procedure in sequence analysis, where the
is a multifaceted phenomenon. For example, some number of clusters displaying the maximum Calinski–
sequences involve migrants making two urban moves Harabasz pseudo-F statistic indicates the optimal cluster
before returning to rural areas, while others show an initial number (Caliñski & Harabasz, 1974). We found that the
move to an urban area followed by two rural relocations. highest Calinski–Harabasz pseudo-F statistic occurred in
These varied patterns reflect the diverse motivations and six clusters (Figures 2-7).
circumstances that influence migration decisions, such as Cluster 1, the largest group, comprises individuals
economic opportunities, social networks, and personal who undertake a single rural migration. These one-step
preferences. rural migrants move from one rural district to another

3.2. Rural-urban migration in the life course and then remain settled. This pattern suggests that
perspective these migrants may seek opportunities in rural areas
with similar characteristics to their original locations,
The migration trajectories of individuals across their life possibly due to limited resources or a preference for
course provide insightful perspectives on the complexities staying within a familiar rural environment (He et al.,
of rural-urban migration in Indonesia. By mapping 2023; Kumar, 2020).
migration events from ages 12 to 50 years and clustering Cluster 2 involves a two-step urban-rural migration.
them based on sequence, time, and number of movements, Individuals in this cluster initially move to an urban
distinct migration patterns emerge, reflecting various area and then relocate to a rural area. This pattern may
socioeconomic and demographic dynamics.
indicate a temporary urban stay for certain reasons, such
Analysis of these patterns, as visualized in the sequence as employment or education, followed by a return to rural
index plot in Figure 1, reveals six primary migration roots driven by familial or economic reasons. This is in
clusters characterized by differing frequencies and types of line with findings from Lee & Sugiura (2018) and He et al.

Figure 1. Rural-urban migration trajectories
Source: Author’s calculations based on Indonesian Family Life Survey data from 1993, 1997, 2000, 2007, and 2014.

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 121 https://doi.org/10.36922/IJPS025190084