Making a walkable city: street physical attributes, pedestrian perceptions, and walking behaviour in Malang, Indonesia

Walking is an accessible activity that contributes to public health and environmental sustainability. However, walking activity remains relatively low among Indonesians, prompting government officials and researchers to explore ways to promote walking through urban design improvements. Recognising the potential of well-designed streetscapes to foster active mobility, this research examines the relationship between street physical attributes, pedestrian perceptions, and walking behaviour in Indonesia. To achieve this goal, three distinct areas of Malang City – Idjen Boulevard, Idjen Street, and Kayutangan Street – were chosen for case studies, representing a range of urban environments: historic residential, mixed-use, and historic commercial streets, respectively. The research uses a quantitative-descriptive method, with 194 questionnaires analysed, using a combination of data analysis techniques, including descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and regression analysis. The study found that street physical attributes do play a role in shaping walking behaviour. However, their effect is often indirect, mediated by pedestrian perceptions of safety, comfort, and visual interest. The study highlights the need for policymakers and urban planners to consider both the tangible and intangible factors that influence walkability when designing pedestrian-friendly urban spaces in specific cultural and geographic contexts.