Population Density and Number of Motorized Vehicles in Indonesia in 2021

Indonesia is an archipelago with a population that continues to increase year after year. This rapid population growth causes various challenges, including in terms of population density and mobility. This article will discuss the state of overcrowding and the number of motor vehicles in Indonesia in 2021, based on the data presented, and offer theoretical viewpoints and potential solutions to this problem.

Definitions and Viewpoints

1. Population Density

Population density is the number of individuals living in an area per unit area (usually per square kilometer). It is an important indicator to understand the distribution of population in a country or region. According to the data shown in the figure, the average population density in Indonesia in 2021 is 142 people/km.

2. Number of Motorized Vehicles

The number of motorized vehicles is the total vehicles operating in an area, including passenger cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. This number is used to measure the level of mobility and transportation development in a country. In 2021, the number of motorized vehicles in Indonesia reached 142,001,698 units.

 Data Analysis

1. Highest Population Density

According to data from the figure, the regions with the highest population density in Indonesia are:

DKI Jakarta: 15,978 people/km

West Java: 1,379 people/km

Central Java: 1,120 people/km

Yogyakarta: 1,185 people/km

Banten: 1,248 people/km

DKI Jakarta is clearly the region with the highest density, far exceeding other provinces. This reflects the characteristics of a very dense urban area with a large population, but relatively limited land.

2. Number of Motorized Vehicles

Based on the data shown:

Passenger Cars: 16,414,098 units

Truck Cars: 5,299,881 units

Buses: 237,607 units

Motorcycles: 120,050,112 units

Motorcycles dominate the number of motorized vehicles in Indonesia, accounting for more than 84% of the total vehicles. This shows that motorcycles are the main mode of transportation for Indonesians as they are more affordable and efficient to use in traffic.

Supporting Theory

From the perspective of urbanization and transportation theory, there are several factors that contribute to the high population density and number of motor vehicles in Indonesia:

Urbanization: The process of people moving from rural to urban areas causes big cities like Jakarta to become increasingly congested. Classic urbanization theory states that this movement occurs due to better economic opportunities in cities.

Transportation Affordability: With the relatively affordable price of motorcycles, people tend to choose motorcycles as their primary means of transportation. This is supported by transportation demand theory which states that lower costs will increase the use of such transportation.

Solutions for motorized vehicle feasibility

To solve the problem of overcrowding and high number of motorized vehicles, some solutions that can be considered are:

1. Public Transportation Development

Improving the quality and availability of public transportation such as buses, trains, and other mass transportation can be a solution to reduce dependence on private vehicles, especially motorcycles. This requires a large investment, but the result can be a reduction in pollution, congestion, and improved transportation efficiency.

2. Controlling Urbanization

The government can encourage the development of other areas outside major cities to reduce urbanization pressure. The development of infrastructure and facilities in these areas can be an attraction for people to live and work outside the big cities.

3. Implementation of Environmentally Friendly Transportation Policies

Introducing green transportation policies, such as carbon taxes or incentives for electric vehicles, can help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in dense cities.

4. Public Education and Awareness

Educating the public on the negative impacts of excessive private vehicle use and the importance of using public transportation is an important step in changing people's mobility behavior.