Urban Expansion Patterns and Metropolitan Development: A Comparative Study of Malang Raya and Surabaya Metropolitan Area

Abstract Urban development is a dynamic phenomenon reflecting regional growth, spatial transformations, and their socio-economic impacts. In East Java Province, Malang Raya demonstrates significant progress toward becoming a metropolitan area. This study examines urban expansion patterns in Malang Raya, comparing them to the established Surabaya Metropolitan Area, the first metropolitan region in the province. Utilizing satellite imagery and the Urban Expansion Index (UEI), the research identifies and analyzes urban growth patterns from 1993 to 2023. The findings indicate that Malang Raya is in a more dynamic stage of urbanization, whereas the Surabaya Metropolitan Area demonstrates a more stable urbanization pattern. This suggests that Malang Raya is still in the early stages of urbanization, characterized by a relatively high growth rate, while the Surabaya Metropolitan Area exhibits a more mature and consolidated urbanization process.