Peri-urbanisation in Papua: A participatory and geospatial impact assessment of peri-urban development and transmigration in Port Numbay

This article aims to shed light on the impacts of peri-urbanisation processes across two case studies in Port Numbay within the Province of Papua. Five methods were used to gather data: focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, archival research, ethnographic observations, and remote sensing imagery and geospatial analysis tools. The results generated insights into: (1) the lasting legacy of historical transmigration and decentralisation policies that have influenced the processes of peri-urbanisation in shaping the social and economic conditions within peripheral communities; (2) how peri-urbanisation has impacted biophysical environments including social-ecological systems and environmental health systems; (3) a range of peri-urbanisation trends (land clearing, deforestation and expansion of settlements over time). The article tests an interdisciplinary method for monitoring processes of peri-urbanisation. It concludes that approaches to decentralisation, health service delivery and sustainable development interventions into peri-urban zones should consider local conditions. Recommendations for policy and further research are also provided.