Region : Jurnal Pembangunan Wilayah dan Perencanaan Partisipatif
Vol 21, No 2 (2026)

Socio-demographic factors and children's independent mobility: A comparative analysis of discretionary and non-discretionary trips

Rufia Andisetyana Putri (Doctoral Program of Architecture and Urbanism, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Center for Regional Development and Information (PIPW), Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Imam Buchori (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia)
Anang Wahyu Sejati (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia)
Apin Fitri Amalina (Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Center for Regional Development and Information (PIPW), Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2026

Abstract

Children's independent mobility (CIM) has declined in recent decades, affecting not only non-discretionary trips but also discretionary trips undertaken for leisure purposes. This trend may have implications for children's development and environmental sustainability. At the same time, neighbourhood resilience can be enhanced through the provision of neighbourhood-scale facilities that support children's daily mobility and independent travel. This study aims to compare children's independent mobility in discretionary and non-discretionary trips based on socio-demographic characteristics. The study was conducted in Perumnas Krapyak, Semarang City, Indonesia, and focused on children aged 7–12 years. The research area was delineated using GIS-based analysis according to children's walking-distance capabilities. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to 30 children equally distributed by age and gender and analysed descriptively. The results show that children's independent mobility was higher in discretionary trips (70%; CIM Level 3) than in non-discretionary trips (51.11%; CIM Level 2). Higher levels of independent mobility were associated with older age, male gender, peer presence, bicycle ownership, and familiarity with neighbours. These findings suggest that neighbourhood characteristics and socio-demographic factors play an important role in supporting children's independent mobility and contribute to the development of more child-friendly and resilient neighbourhoods.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

region

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

Region : Jurnal Pembangunan Wilayah dan Perencanaan Partisipatif, diterbitkan oleh Pusat Informasi dan Pembangunan Wilayah (PIPW) yang berada di bawah Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LPPM) Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta, berisi tulisan tentang hasil penelitian, gagasan ...