A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to the Post-Slum Upgrading Policy Design: Empirical Evidence from Banjarbaru City, Indonesia

Dhiya’ul Akbar; Akbar Rahman; Iphan Fitrian Radham; Ira Mentayani

doi:10.48084/etasr.15943

Authors

Dhiya’ul Akbar Environment Science Department, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
Akbar Rahman Architecture Department, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarbaru, Indonesia
Iphan Fitrian Radham Civil Engineering Department, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarbaru, Indonesia
Ira Mentayani Architecture Department, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarbaru, Indonesia

Volume: 16 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 32212-32220 | February 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.15943

Received: 2 November 2025 | Revised: 2 December 2025 | Accepted: 13 December 2025 | Online: 9 February 2026

Corresponding author: Akbar Rahman

Abstract

Slum settlements remain a persistent challenge in the urban areas of Banjarbaru City despite various upgrading programs implemented over the past decade. This study aims to evaluate the key variables influencing post-upgrading outcomes and develop a policy framework for sustainable slum improvement, focusing on the Kemuning area as a representative case. Using the Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) approach, the analysis identified three significant variables affecting post-upgrading environmental and social conditions: infrastructure quality (β = 0.408, p < 0.001), green open space management (β = 0.313, p < 0.001), and water, wastewater, and solid waste management (β = 0.321, p = 0.002). The findings demonstrate that adequate infrastructure, well-managed urban green spaces, and effective resource management systems significantly enhance both environmental quality and community well-being after the upgrading phase. This study contributes to the development of an evidence-based policy design for sustainable slum transformation in mid-sized tropical cities, emphasizing the integration of environmental, infrastructural, and social dimensions in post-slum governance.

Keywords:

slum settlements, post-upgrading policy, sustainable housing, SEM-PLS, Banjarbaru City

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