Ternate City, located on a volcanic island in North Maluku, faces significant challenges in managing slum settlements due to its unique topography and coastal characteristics. Despite efforts like the KOTAKU program (2015–2023), slums still cover 268.5 hectares, classified as light to moderate. This study aims to analyze the role of road infrastructure improvements in slum upgrading, focusing on accessibility, fire protection, waste management, and drainage systems. Using a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative data from slum assessments, stakeholder questionnaires, and Difference-in-Differences (DiD) analysis to evaluate the impact of road construction in East Makassar Village. Findings reveal that environmental roads reduce slum levels by 2.87%, addressing key issues like fire safety and waste transport. However, budget constraints, particularly land acquisition costs (76–78% of total expenses), pose challenges. The study concludes that targeted infrastructure investments, prioritized based on local needs, can significantly enhance slum conditions. Recommendations include alternative road designs to optimize costs and community engagement to ensure sustainable outcomes.
Ginting et al. (Tue,) studied this question.