Transformation of Batoh from an Agricultural Village into Urban Area in Banda Aceh City 1987-2022

Abstract

The phenomenon of transformation or change of rural areas into urban areas is something that often occurs in Indonesia, where rural areas that were originally quiet away from the hustle and bustle of cities are then drawn into the flow of urbanization or the development of nearby cities so that they then develop into crowded urban areas. The phenomenon of rural to urban transformation also occurred in Aceh Province, precisely in Batoh Village, Lueng Bata District, Banda Aceh City. This research then tries to discuss how Batoh was before the development; the stages of its development until the transformation occurs, as well as the impact caused after the transformation. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical historical method. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of literature review, documentation and interviews. The results of the study found that Batoh Village has existed since the Aceh Sultanate period and the Dutch colonial period as evidenced by a number of historical evidence in the form of ancient tombs and placemarks on old colonial maps, which is shown Batoh area is still dominated by rice fields, swamps and coconut plantations. The transformation of Batoh then occurred in several stages of development, starting with the construction of the Muhammadiyah University of Aceh (UNMUHA) campus and Serambi Mekkah College (PTSM) in the eastern part of Batoh in the late 1980s to the early 1990s and then reached its peak with the development of Batoh into a new city center after the 2004 tsunami disaster. The physical impact arising from the transformation is the addition of new buildings and infrastructure, while the social impact is the increase in population, the increase in the community's economy and the reduction in social interaction between people in the community.