This study examines the spatial dynamics of urban sprawl in the peri-urban areas of Malang Municipality from 2004 to 2024. The findings reveal a rapid and uneven expansion of built-up areas, growing from 1825.87 ha (4%) in 2004 to 8017.22 ha (15.39%) in 2024. The most significant growth occurred in Singosari, Pakis, and Karangploso Districts, driven by proximity to higher education institutions, tourism centers, and commercial zones. Meanwhile, recent development trends in Kedungkandang District suggest emerging southeastern expansion supported by land availability and infrastructure. An analysis using the Landscape Expansion Index (LEI) indicates a transition from diffusion to coalescence phases, characterized by dominant edge-expansion, increasing infill, and persistent outlying patterns. However, discrepancies between spatial plans and actual land use were found, including 677.29 ha of non-built areas, 172.38 ha of which were sustainable agriculture zones converted into built-up land. These inconsistencies highlight the urgent need for stronger land-use control, including the implementation of Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) and stricter enforcement of spatial regulations. Future research should explore spatial drivers using logistic regression or spatial modeling approaches to support more sustainable urban planning in peri-urban regions.
Hafiz et al. (Mon,) studied this question.