Selection into Internal Migration in Indonesia

Abstract: This paper conducts an examination on selection into different types of internal migration in Indonesia. We use the 1985 intercensal population survey data and compare educational attainment across natives and different migrants classified based on their residence. Additionally, we explore heterogeneity by migrant’s sex and age-of-arrival. Results show that migrants to Inner Islands and Outer Islands (Transmigration non-participants) are positively selected on education, but transmigrants are not. These patterns also hold true for male migrants and the sample of individuals who migrated as adults. Conversely, female transmigrants are negatively selected on education. Overall, these findings have important policy implications. Keywords: Internal Migration; Education; Selection; Transmigration; Indonesi