This study examines how institutional quality shapes digital governance across local governments in Indonesia, addressing the persistent institutional–technical misalignment that continues to hinder digital transformation despite substantial public investment. The study is motivated by efforts to localise the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16, Targets 16.6 and 16.7, on effective, accountable, and transparent institutions and responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making, as well as SDG 9, Target 9.c, on universal internet access. Achieving these goals remains difficult across Indonesia’s diverse regional contexts because of entrenched institutional barriers. Using a qualitative multiple-case study design, this research analyses five subnational cases, Jakarta, West Java, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, and Papua, selected to capture varying levels of digital maturity and contrasting geographical conditions within Indonesia’s decentralised governance system. The findings indicate that four institutional dimensions, regulatory frameworks, organisational capacity, leadership commitment, and inter-agency coordination, decisively shape digital governance outcomes and mediate regional disparities. The study concludes that digital transformation in decentralised systems is fundamentally an institutional rather than purely technological process. It proposes an integrated institutional quality framework to strengthen decentralised digital resilience and improve public service delivery across Indonesia’s fragmented governance landscape.
This study analyses the drivers of low food security in Palopo City, Indonesia, and proposes locally relevant policy options. As an autonomous buffer city that supports surrounding regions through food distribution and trade, Palopo remains under-examined in debates on food security governance. The study contributes by foregrounding the governance challenges facing buffer cities while aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), particularly Targets 2.1–2.5 and 2.a–2.c on ending hunger, improving nutrition, strengthening sustainable and climate-resilient food systems, increasing agricultural investment, and stabilising food markets. Using a qualitative descriptive design, the research draws on official documents, regional policy instruments, and peer-reviewed literature. Data were analysed systematically in NVivo 12 Plus through import, coding, relationship mapping, and visualisation to identify recurring patterns. The findings indicate that Palopo’s food security is constrained by limited local production, shrinking agricultural land, climate-related pressures on yields, weak distribution and logistics infrastructure, low purchasing power, and ineffective policy implementation. Inadequate logistics increase transport costs and contribute to price volatility, while poverty and food inflation restrict access to nutritious food. Policy priorities include boosting productivity via appropriate technologies and food diversification, upgrading distribution through technology-enabled logistics, strengthening purchasing power through food-based local economic programmes, and improving the targeting and effectiveness of subsidies and food assistance.
Sustainable Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) relies on collaboration among diverse actors, including local communities, NGOs, universities, and government institutions. This study examines collaborative approaches and power relations in CBFM in rural Java, with a focus on Gunungkidul, Indonesia. Using a collaborative governance framework and a power dynamics lens, it analyses how authority, legitimacy, and resource control shape collaboration. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), document analysis, and Social Network Analysis (SNA). The findings indicate that decision-making is framed as democratic, and that knowledge and resource sharing support sustainable CBFM. However, authority remains centralised at the national level, constraining inclusive governance. Local communities and NGOs, by contrast, play a prominent role in implementation due to their resources and legitimacy. These insights contribute to debates on collaborative governance in the Global South, showing that collaboration does not necessarily follow formal authority structures. The study also speaks to SDG 1, Target 1.4, by improving access to land and economic resources for vulnerable forest communities, and to SDG 17, Target 17.16, by strengthening multi-actor partnerships for sustainable forest governance. Future research should compare multiple CBFM cases to capture variation in collaborative practices and grassroots power dynamics.
This article examines how public administration shapes policy-making. Scholarship typically treats Classical Management, Neo-Classical Management, and New Public Administration (NPA) as successive stages, while policy studies often analyse decision-making, participation, and implementation separately. Consequently, literature lacks an integrated account of how shifting administrative logics structure policy-making and contribute to persistent governance challenges. Drawing on a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA, the study analyses 23 peer-reviewed, Scopus-indexed articles. Rather than aggregating empirical effects, it uses thematic coding to examine policy-making dynamics across paradigms, from Classical Management to NPA. Findings show each paradigm embodies a distinct logic: hierarchical technocratic control in the classical model; behaviourally informed but administratively managed decision-making in the neo-classical model; and collaborative, reflexive governance in the NPA model. Paradigms coexist rather than replace one another. In the Global South, although NPA principles support SDG 16.6 and 16.7, implementation is constrained by neo-classical reforms and residual classical bureaucracies, limiting participatory engagement envisaged by SDG 16.8. Effective governance reform requires aligning institutional capacity with participatory processes rather than adopting a new paradigm.
This study examines how political stability, infrastructure governance, and sustainable development shape West Sulawesi’s role as a supporting region for Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City, and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Using a sequential mixed-methods design, it triangulates policy documents, interviews, and 100 news articles coded in NVivo 12 Plus. Findings indicate that infrastructure development, especially roads, ports, and energy systems, is the strongest policy driver, reinforced by local government coordination and public–private partnerships. Institutional reliability functions as governance capital, sustaining policy continuity and strengthening accountability. Nevertheless, sustainability integration remains partial, constraining progress towards SDG 9 Targets 9.1 and 9.4 and SDG 11 Targets 11.3, 11.6, and 11.b. Reliance on discourse-based evidence and a cross-sectional timeframe limits causal inference and long-term sustainability assessment. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs, comparative buffer-region analyses, and quantitative sustainability indicators.
This study examines the operationalisation of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles in post-disaster mitigation following the 2021 Mount Semeru eruption in Lumajang, Indonesia. Inadequate GESI integration undermines progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). We ask: how are GESI principles incorporated into disaster planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and what factors shape their application? Using a qualitative single-case design, we conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with government officials, NGO representatives, community leaders, and marginalised groups, and undertook thematic analysis in NVivo 14. Findings indicate that, contrary to policy commitments, GESI integration was fragmented, tokenistic, and overly reliant on civil-society actors rather than embedded within governance systems. Targeted initiatives—such as women’s leadership training and disability-accessible information channels—showed short-term promise but lacked sustainability, were weakly connected to formal decision-making, and failed to address structural inequalities. Disaster plans were largely gender-blind, monitoring frameworks omitted disaggregated data, and evaluation processes overlooked equity indicators. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical analysis of the GESI twin-track approach in a Global South disaster context, illuminating the gap between policy rhetoric and lived realities. The study advances an analytical framework and context-specific evidence to inform the institutionalisation of GESI in disaster governance, offering practical pathways towards more equitable and sustainable resilience.
Public policy addresses societal challenges, shapes governance structures, and enhances institutional performance. This paper critically reviews the stages of the policy process—formulation, implementation, and evaluation—by examining key theoretical frameworks, including the policy cycle, rational and incremental models, and evidence-based policy-making. While these frameworks offer valuable foundational insights, their practical application is often constrained by complex political, institutional, and socio-cultural factors. The analysis underscores how real-world governance dynamics frequently demand adaptive and participatory approaches that extend beyond the linear logic of conventional policy models. Drawing on a qualitative literature review, the study emphasises the growing relevance of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) as a normative foundation for effective governance. SDG 16 advocates inclusive institutions, accountable decision-making, and equitable access to justice—principles closely aligned with effective public policy. By integrating governance-oriented considerations such as transparency, stakeholder engagement, and institutional resilience, the paper argues for a more flexible and context-sensitive approach to policy-making. The findings suggest that bridging the gap between theory and practice requires methodological pluralism and a commitment to institutional values consistent with the spirit of SDG 16. This article contributes to a deeper understanding of how public policy can strengthen democratic governance in an era of uncertainty and complexity.
This study examines the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at the Mataram City General Hospital—a referral facility situated in a socio-economically vulnerable, tourism-dependent area of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Service quality is assessed across three dimensions: (1) administrative service quality, (2) accessibility of health services, and (3) clinical service quality, framed against the challenges of achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Using a descriptive qualitative design, we conducted interviews, observations, and document analysis, and coded the data in NVivo 12 Plus. Findings indicate that administrative processes have improved in clarity, speed, and ease of registration; however, responsiveness and lengthy waiting times persist. Digital platforms have enhanced access, yet geographical barriers and a digital divide continue to constrain equity. Overall clinical quality is satisfactory but limited by insufficient empathy and suboptimal communication from health workers. The study contributes empirically by showing how systemic constraints—uneven resource allocation, workforce shortages, and infrastructure deficits—undermine UHC objectives in vulnerable, tourism-reliant settings. Policy implications include the need for area-based planning, stronger inter-agency coordination, and context-sensitive innovation to deliver more equitable and inclusive services across West Nusa Tenggara.
This study examines how to strengthen institutional capacity for regional development planning in Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia, with a focus on policies that are responsive to local community needs. A qualitative case study design was employed, drawing on in-depth interviews, observations, and analyses of planning documents, including the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan and the Regional Annual Work Plan. The findings indicate that robust institutional capacity, inclusive public participation, and the effective use of information technology are pivotal to producing adaptive and sustainable development policy. However, two principal challenges persist: insufficiently trained human resources for adaptive planning and the suboptimal use of information technology. The analysis links these results to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 16 (strong, transparent, and accountable institutions). Strengthening institutional capacity and deepening participation are expected to accelerate local SDG progress and to support the design of more inclusive, efficient, and data-driven policy. The study contributes to understanding—and improving—the implementation of adaptive, sustainable regional development policy amid social, economic, and environmental change.
Land acquisition for the public interest in Indonesia frequently encounters complex bureaucracy, inefficiencies, and community resistance, which impede the implementation of National Strategic Projects (NSPs). This study examines policy innovation in land acquisition through multi-stakeholder collaboration in South Sulawesi Province, where Makassar is the provincial capital and the economic hub of eastern Indonesia. The analysis also highlights urban expansion into Gowa Regency, which heightens both the urgency and the complexity of land provision for infrastructure projects. Using a qualitative case-study design, data were gathered through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentary analysis. The findings indicate that collaborative approaches expedite land acquisition, improve transparency, and reduce the risk of social conflict. Models that involve central and local government, private-sector actors, community representatives, and facilitation forums have proved effective in strengthening legitimacy and trust. Strategic recommendations include institutionalising facilitation forums, advancing digital transformation in land-acquisition governance, and reformulating compensation schemes to ensure equity and accountability. By embedding collaboration, transparency, and fairness, the study contributes to more inclusive and responsive public policy while supporting the sustainability of NSPs. It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably Goal 9 on resilient infrastructure, Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and Goal 16 on strong institutions—offering practical pathways for inclusive and sustainable development.
This study examines the transformation of social capital in strengthening local government resilience to natural disaster risks in Gowa, Indonesia—an area highly vulnerable to multiple natural hazards. Employing a quantitative research design, the study utilises Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) to conduct regression analysis. Data were collected through a structured survey involving 150 respondents from 15 institutions, including government agencies, private sector actors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and disaster response volunteers. The survey comprised 72 statement items across eight variables, ensuring the dataset’s validity and reliability. The findings indicate that strengthening social bonds, fostering community collaboration, and enhancing trust in local institutions significantly contribute to reducing the impacts of disasters by enabling swift responses and improving recovery efforts. These results underscore the vital—yet often underappreciated—role of social capital in disaster risk management and resilience building. The study calls for policy interventions that promote community cohesion and institutional trust, demonstrating that social dimensions are central to effective and sustainable disaster risk reduction. Moreover, the research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), by advocating for socially inclusive, community-driven resilience strategies.
This research examines governance strategies to address gender inequality in the mining industry and enhance women’s empowerment. It identifies barriers preventing women from accessing opportunities and leadership roles through a systematic review of 37 articles published between 2014 and 2024. Data analysis using NVivo 12 Plus focused on themes such as women’s roles, challenges, and gender dynamics, while VOSviewer was employed for bibliometric analysis. The findings reveal systemic barriers, including limited training, unequal pay, and exclusion from decision-making. The study underscores the need for inclusive policies and gender-sensitive governance to drive meaningful change, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly gender equality (SDG 5) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). It calls for comprehensive policies, comparative analyses of effective strategies across contexts, and integration of community perspectives into empowerment initiatives. Strengthening governance frameworks and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities can enhance gender equality and inclusive growth in mining. Future research should further explore policy effectiveness, cross-national comparisons, and innovative governance models to address structural inequalities and promote sustainable economic participation for women.
Digitalisation has emerged as a dominant trend in public service delivery, often regarded as a means to reduce costs, improve accessibility and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. However, as institutions adopt digital service models, critical questions remain regarding the urgency, effectiveness and potential shortcomings of such reforms. This study examines Indonesia’s public sector amid a wave of digital reforms, exploring the broader implications of cross-institutional digitalisation through the concept of the digi-service bubble. This refers to a condition where the pace of digital adoption exceeds the capacity for strategic planning and meaningful implementation. Data were collected via online surveys involving 50 participants, complemented by in-depth interviews with 20 informants. The research investigates public perceptions of digital services, particularly in relation to their necessity, accessibility and practical effects on everyday governance interactions. The findings highlight three key patterns. First, there is broad consensus on the importance of digitalisation. Second, perceptions vary based on educational background. Third, fragmented digital infrastructure remains a challenge, leading to redundancy and inefficient resource allocation. While digital transformation in public services is broadly supported, long-term success depends on strategic coordination, inclusivity and coherent policymaking. The study underscores the need for integrated digital infrastructure, widespread digital literacy and transparency in governance. These factors are vital to avoiding inefficient or poorly implemented digital initiatives, which typify the digi-service bubble.
Ghost workers on the payroll continue to undermine efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Global South. Their presence weakens the quality of public service delivery and leads to significant socio-economic repercussions. In Tanzania, initiatives such as public service reforms, physical verification exercises for public servants, and the enhancement of human resource information systems have been introduced to address this challenge. However, the persistence of ghost workers continues to hinder service efficiency and broader developmental progress. Existing studies have not sufficiently explored the socio-economic consequences of this phenomenon. This paper therefore investigates the impact of ghost workers on public sector performance and development in Tanzania. The analysis draws on the Fraud Triangle Theory and Fraud Management Theory as conceptual frameworks. Secondary data were sourced from credible government documents and peer-reviewed journal articles, and analysed through content analysis by comparing data trends and thematic overlaps. Key findings include financial losses, increased unemployment, stalled promotions, demotivated personnel, higher anti-fraud costs, and poor service delivery. The study concludes that ghost workers compromise workforce effectiveness, undermine governance, and obstruct public sector development, thereby threatening the realisation of the SDGs. It calls for strong political will to institutionalise ethical recruitment and implement robust fraud control mechanisms, thus reducing payroll fraud and mitigating its socio-economic impact by 2030.
This study employs narrative analysis to examine collaborative initiatives supporting the development of thematic communities in Malang City, Indonesia. Drawing on the experiences of government officials, community members, and NGO representatives, the research highlights the importance of participatory governance, community engagement, and the unique features of thematic villages in advancing sustainable local development. Cases such as Kampung Sanan, known for tempeh production, and Kampung Heritage Kayutangan, valued for its cultural and historical significance, illustrate how local innovation and identity can empower communities and boost tourism. Thematic village development aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), by fostering inclusive economic opportunities. However, challenges such as limited stakeholder engagement, power imbalances, and the marginalisation of vulnerable groups may hinder progress towards Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Ecological sustainability is also central to the approach, especially regarding Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). The findings suggest that effective coordination, strong political support, and inclusive participation are vital to improving quality of life and local income. This study offers practical insights and policy recommendations for strengthening collaborative frameworks that promote sustainable and inclusive thematic village development.
This research examines collaboration between the government, community, academia, entrepreneurs and the media, known as the ‘penta helix’, in developing social inclusion for persons with disabilities (PwD) in Indonesia. This descriptive and qualitative study collects data through observation, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The research informants were determined purposively from representatives of the penta helix who were seen as understanding or having the authority to interact with PwD. For data analysis, Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis model was employed. Regarding the five areas of the penta helix, the study found that the government exercised political power through the issuance of Regional Regulation 9 of 2020 concerning the protection and fulfilment of the rights of PwD. The regulation aims to ensure that PwD receive the same rights and opportunities as other citizens. The community has a role as social power through creating care classes for PwD for people to understand the culture and self-development of PwD. Academics function as a knowledge power by developing campus inclusion standards and collaborating with national and international funding institutions to carry out the three pillars of higher education on the issue of PwD. Industry plays a role as social justice power in supporting the provision of venture capital assistance and work skills training for PwD. The media holds the power of brand image so that discriminatory views against PwD transform into fulfilling the rights of PwD. Understanding stakeholders’ role in the penta helix collaboration helps develop a social inclusion model for PwD.
Effective asset management is essential for enhancing operational efficiency and achieving sustainable development within local governments in Indonesia. This study explores key challenges in asset management, focusing on governance, planning, and policy evaluation. Several critical issues are identified: fragmented governance, insufficient transparency and coordination, outdated asset inventories, and misalignment between asset management practices and broader development goals. Policy evaluation mechanisms are also inadequate, failing to measure asset utilisation effectively. These challenges lead to inefficiencies in resource allocation, underutilisation of assets, and missed opportunities for local economic growth. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which promotes efficient resource use, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), which supports enhanced infrastructure management. Addressing these goals enables local governments to align asset management strategies with broader sustainability objectives, fostering equitable growth and long-term development. Through a qualitative literature review, this study analyses data from government reports and prior research to highlight these challenges and propose solutions. An integrated approach—aligning governance frameworks, improving asset management planning, and strengthening policy evaluation—can overcome the identified barriers. By adopting this model, local governments can optimise asset management, leading to improved efficiency, better resource utilisation, and sustainable development. Future research should explore applying this framework across regions in Indonesia to validate its effectiveness.
This study investigates the implementation of basic education quality improvement policies in Balikpapan City, a region known for its pivotal role in Indonesia’s oil industry, often referred to as an oil-rich area. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (2021-2026) in addressing educational quality, considering the city's economic dependence on oil. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study focuses on the Department of Education and Culture in Balikpapan, engaging key informants to evaluate the efficacy of policy implementation. The analysis framework encompasses an evaluation of policy standards, resources, inter-organisational communication, and the characteristics of the implementing agencies. The findings reveal that, while considerable progress has been made in enhancing educational facilities and teacher competencies, challenges persist due to the city’s heavy reliance on the oil sector and its impact on local resources. Furthermore, the study explores the relationship between these challenges and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (quality education) by addressing disparities in resource allocation and the city's limited capacity for economic diversification. The research recommends the integration of more diverse data sources, continuous monitoring, and deeper analysis of the social and economic impacts to further improve educational outcomes. Balikpapan's economic context, as an oil-dependent city, significantly influences its ability to implement and sustain effective educational policies, highlighting the necessity for balanced development strategies aligned with broader SDGs.
This article explores the strengthening of collaborative governance within Indonesia's Department of Transportation, focusing on the implementation and enforcement of levies. It highlights the integration of diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector entities, and civil society, to create a more effective levy management system. However, a lack of collaboration between the Palembang city government and the local community has hindered the effectiveness of levies. Key strategies for improvement include promoting transparency, shared decision-making, and the use of innovative technologies. The study underscores the importance of trust and accountability among stakeholders to enhance compliance and enforcement. In Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra Province, transportation and traffic management challenges necessitate the effective implementation of levies. Employing a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation, the research reveals that collaborative efforts between local governments, the private sector, and the community are essential, despite challenges such as limited resources and community resistance. The findings suggest that while collaborative governance can improve the effectiveness of levy enforcement, it requires commitment and active participation from all parties. Recommendations include enhancing human resource capacity, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and raising public awareness of the importance of levies for regional revenue. This study also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in improving infrastructure, fostering sustainable cities (SDG 11), and promoting effective partnerships (SDG 17).
This study analyses the role and impact of public-private partnerships to improve food security in coastal areas of Indonesia. The public-private partnership model as a tool to address poverty, food needs and stunting is examined using a qualitative exploratory technique. Additional information was gathered by the researchers via interviews, field observations and documents. The study was carried out in Indonesia’s Coastal Takalar Regency, and NVivo 12 Pro was used to visualise the data. The results showed that the parties involved in efforts to improve food security on the Takalar Regency Coast include the Food Social Service and Village Community Empowerment of Takalar Regency, Subdistrict Social Welfare Workers, village government, Mandiri Bank, food suppliers and E-Warong (noncash government assistance) agents. Findings further showed that the benefits arising from this collaboration can reduce social inequalities such as decreasing poverty, increasing food needs and reducing stunting cases in the coastal areas of Takalar Regency. This work revealed several obstacles to cooperation between the government and the private sector to improve food security through food aid programmes, namely corruption through diversion of aid funds and a lack of supervision.
