Abstract

Spatial inequality can be defined as disparities among spatial units of a region that can easily be perceived by people, e.g. some spatial units can provide proper and affordable public facilities and infrastructure while some others cannot. This phenomenon has long been there in the Blitar Region, Indonesia, where the north part of it is seen by people as more developed than the south part. Spatial inequality matters because, firstly, it could be caused by equity failures and secondly, this may worsen the imbalance spatial interactions, which can further cause problems like unoptimum economic growth, inequality of welfare, and even unsustainability. It is unfortunate that the inverted U-shape rule of spatial inequality as hypothesised by many seems inapplicable here. This paper is based on research answering the problem of what factors have been there and how they work to result in the spatial inequality of the Blitar Region. A set of propositions was developed from literature discussions and was then confirmed in the case of the Blitar Region, comprising Blitar City and Blitar Regency administratively. The quantitative approach is utilised in this research, due to the need to understand the general characteristics of spatial inequality in the Blitar Region. The main findings confirm that it is inequity, especially in the distribution of development benefits, that matters and that the inverted U-shape rule needs equity to be ensured to work. Essential measures needed to alleviate the inequity are recommended.