The measuring of urban amenities index and its effect on migration: Evidence from Indonesian cities

More and more Indonesians are living in cities, drawn by the amenities they provide. However, the literature on amenities and migration pays little attention to the three major types of amenities – natural, social, and public – as non-market goods, and their contribution to attract migrants. This study aims to formulate an urban amenities index for Indonesian cities and to explore the role of amenities in migration. The results show that amenities play an important role in migration to Indonesian cities. Specifically, cities in the island of Java have a high urban amenities index, followed closely by the cities outside Java that are provincial capitals. The study provides insights for the government in formulating city development policies with regard to provision of amenities.