Urbanization Trends in Southeast Asia: Some Issues for Policy

"The apparent Southeast Asian paradox of fairly slow urbanization but rapidly growing urban populations is due to continued high rates of natural increase, especially in rural areas. Southeast Asian countries differ greatly in the nature of their urban hierarchies, and the appropriate policy goals and strategies therefore also differ. In countering growing urban primacy, indirect approaches emphasizing macro-economic and sectoral policies conducive to more dispersed patterns of urban growth have greater potential impact than direct attempts to slow the growth of large city populations. Greater decentralization of power and decision making over resource allocation is also needed."