Jakarta, April 20 -- Indonesia's home minister has warned that unchecked urbanisation could fuel crime, inequality and declining living standards, urging cities to adopt planned and sustainable development strategies.

Home Minister Tito Karnavian said cities are vital economic engines but also highly vulnerable to social problems if growth is poorly managed.

"If not handled properly, some groups will be left behind. Without education and competitiveness, they can fall into crime," he said in a statement Monday.

He stressed that timely intervention is essential to ensure urban growth remains productive, inclusive and capable of improving residents' quality of life.

Karnavian delivered the remarks while addressing a regional meeting of ...