Development and urbanisation during the COVID-19 pandemic: Regional vulnerability in Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia has been substantially affected by COVID-19, with Java Island hit hardest. This study analyses the relationship between regional development inequality and urbanisation levels and the spread of COVID-19 in the case of Java. The study shows a striking development gap between cities and districts, with the major metropoles having the highest level of development. The more urbanised and developed regions experience more COVID-19 cases. Statistical analysis shows that mobility indices, poverty thresholds, expected years of schooling and the productive population percentage all impacted the rate of confirmed cases in Java.