Page 128 - IJPS-11-6

International Journal of
Population Studies Internal migration in Indonesia

1 eventually settle in rural areas. The + sign suggests that
Rural Rural
rural destinations may still emerge along the trajectory.
Figure 2. Cluster 1 of the six clusters with the highest Calinski-Harabasz This pattern might be indicative of individuals who initially
pseudo-F statistic seek urban opportunities but later prefer the tranquility or
affordability of rural living. It suggests a lifecycle approach
1 2 to migration, where early urban experiences pave the way
Rural Urban Rural for later rural settlement.

Cluster 6, one-step urban migration, captures individuals
Figure 3. Cluster 2 of the six clusters with the highest Calinski-Harabasz
pseudo-F statistic who move once to an urban area and remain there. This
pattern is common among younger migrants who move
1 2 to cities for education or early career opportunities. The
Rural Urban Urban stable urban settlement reflects the attractiveness of urban
areas for long-term residence, driven by various factors,
Figure 4. Cluster 3 of the six clusters with the highest Calinski-Harabasz such as better infrastructure, services, and job prospects.
pseudo-F statistic
3.3. Analysis of migration typologies
1 2 3+ The analysis of migration typologies through multinomial
Rural Urban Urban Urban+
regression uncovers a noteworthy correlation between
Figure 5. Cluster 4 of the six clusters with the highest Calinski-Harabasz sociodemographic characteristics and migration patterns
pseudo-F statistic in Indonesia (Table 3). Males show a marked inclination
toward multi-step urban-rural migration, suggesting a
1 2 3+ propensity for multiple moves. This result aligns with
Rural Urban Rural Rural+
Cattaneo & Robinson’s (2019) research, which concluded
Figure 6. Cluster 5 of the six clusters with the highest Calinski-Harabasz that males are more likely to undertake multiple migrations.
pseudo-F statistic Conversely, females exhibit a preference for one-step rural
migration, a pattern that aligns with marriage-related
1 motives. Cindy Fan & Huang (1998) observed that women
Rural Urban
frequently encounter barriers in accessing urban labor
Figure 7. Cluster 6 of the six clusters with the highest Calinski-Harabasz markets and achieving social and economic advancement,
pseudo-F statistic prompting many to migrate to and marry into rural areas in
more developed regions to overcome these obstacles. This
(2023), which show that attachment to hometown and the gender disparity highlights the influence of sociocultural
work-life balance available are the causes of these migrants factors on migration choices, indicating that females may
choosing to return to rural areas. prioritize the stability and familial bonds found in rural
Cluster 3, the smallest cluster, comprises individuals settings. Findings from Devi et al. (2009) in India also
who experience two-step urban migration. These migrants found that the majority of migration was from one rural
area to another due to marriage in the case of females.
move between urban areas, suggesting a search for better
opportunities within urban settings. Unlike Cluster 2, these These gendered patterns underscore the influence of
individuals remain within the urban hierarchy, indicating a institutional and socio-cultural structures on migration
preference or necessity for staying in urban environments. decisions. Limited access to urban employment, gendered
household roles, and prevailing cultural norms collectively
Cluster 4, known as multi-step urban migration: urban shape and often restrict women’s spatial and strategic
first, followed by various urban hierarchies, and stopped mobility. This aligns with Institutional Theory (North,
in urban areas. The + sign suggests that urban destinations 1990), which emphasizes how both formal and informal
may still emerge along the trajectory. This pattern institutions regulate individual behavior. Ultimately,
reflects a dynamic urban lifestyle, likely driven by career migration outcomes reflect not only individual agency
advancement, better living conditions, or other urban- but also the structural conditions that enable or constrain
centric motivations. These migrants exhibit a high degree mobility along the intersecting lines of gender, class, and
of mobility and adaptability within urban settings. geography.

Cluster 5, named multi-step urban–rural migration, Marital status shows varied impacts on migration
involves multiple movements that start in urban areas and behavior. While married individuals do not display

Volume 11 Issue 6 (2025) 122 https://doi.org/10.36922/IJPS025190084