The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, promotes local government as an autonomous sphere, but hierarchical political arrangements and party structures have weakened this, leading to a weakening of local voices. Local government is crucial for providing essential services like water, electricity, housing, and infrastructure development, aiming to bridge the gap between wealthy and disadvantaged communities and improve the quality of life. However, South Africa's local governments face numerous challenges in service delivery, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, insufficient resources, and systemic corruption, which hinder their ability to provide essential services to these communities. This study carefully explores the evolving role of local government within South Africa's macro-development agenda, focusing on the challenges of service delivery and the reforms in governance. It is grounded in three fundamental theoretical perspectives: the Democratic Participatory School, which underlines the importance of local government in promoting citizen engagement and accountability; the Efficiency Services School, which regards local governance as a means for effective and responsive service provision; and the Development School, which sees local government as a catalyst for socio-economic development and transformation. The study employs a qualitative research approach. The study explores the governance structures, policies, frameworks, and service delivery outcomes. The data collection emanates from secondary sources, including governmental reports, policy documents, and scholarly publications. The data is analysed thematically to uncover key service delivery challenges. In the quest to improve service delivery in South Africa, the study welcomes the proposed revision of the 1998 white paper on local government as a robust and decisive approach to strengthen service delivery outcomes. The study believes that revising the 1998 White Paper on Local Government presents a crucial opportunity to enhance service delivery in South Africa by addressing systemic challenges that have hindered municipal effectiveness over the past 30 years. A refreshed policy framework can improve the responsiveness of local governments, ensuring the timely and efficient provision of essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity. The study further recommends the necessity for improved intergovernmental collaboration, increased stakeholder participation in municipal affairs, and capacity building within institutions to enhance governance effectiveness and ensure sustainable service delivery. The study concludes that it is crucial to reposition local government within the broader context of the national development strategy to achieve long-term socio-economic advancement.
This study investigates the impact of digitalization on the preservation of local knowledge within the Ammatoa Kajang community in South Sulawesi. It specifically addresses the research questions: (1) What forms of local knowledge in the Ammatoa Kajang community are suitable for digitization? (2) What are the challenges and opportunities in digitizing local knowledge in this context? (3) How can participatory and ethical approaches ensure the preservation of local knowledge through digital technologies? Local knowledge, including value systems, customary law, and ecological rituals like Ma'bara, is increasingly at risk of extinction due to globalization and cultural commodification. Employing a qualitative ethnographic approach, the study reveals that digitalization can serve as an effective tool for expanding intergenerational knowledge, provided it is guided by participatory principles, community control, and strong cultural ethics. The findings suggest that without the active involvement of indigenous communities, digitalization may undermine the symbolic meaning and spirituality of this knowledge. The study also highlights key limitations, including the risk of decontextualization and cultural misrepresentation when digitalization is not community-driven. This research underscores the need for collaborative strategies, digital-based cultural protection policies, and approaches aligned with local values to safeguard traditional knowledge in the digital era.
The Papua conflict, marked by separatist claims and allegations of human rights violations, has positioned Indonesia under sustained international scrutiny. This study examines the diplomatic strategies employed by the Indonesian government to defend its sovereignty over Papua from 2020 to 2024, focusing on responses to global pressures and domestic legitimacy challenges. Grounded in neorealism and state sovereignty frameworks, the research adopts a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze Indonesia’s multi-level diplomacy involving state and non-state actors. Findings reveal a dual-track strategy: Government-to-Government (G2G) efforts prioritize bilateral engagements with influential states to counter separatist narratives, while People-to-People (P2P) initiatives focus on fostering Papuan trust in Indonesian nationalism through dialogue and grassroots empowerment. Key tactics include leveraging ASEAN partnerships to mitigate external criticism and deploying cultural diplomacy to reinforce national unity. However, challenges persist, such as balancing human rights accountability with sovereignty defense and addressing digital misinformation campaigns. This study underscores the necessity of integrating soft power and institutional legitimacy to fortify Indonesia’s diplomatic posture. Recommendations include enhancing multilateral collaboration, institutionalizing P2P programs, and adopting data-driven communication strategies to preempt disinformation. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers to harmonize sovereignty preservation with inclusive governance in conflict-sensitive regions.
The rapid expansion of Facebook Marketplace has redefined the landscape of digital commerce in Indonesia, serving as a low-barrier platform that facilitates informal buying and selling activities. In the context of increasing internet penetration and the widespread adoption of online shopping—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—this platform has become an essential medium for everyday economic transactions. This study explores the dynamics of negotiation and communicative behavior among Indonesian users of Facebook Marketplace, with particular attention to broader shifts in consumer interaction patterns within digital environments. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological methodology, this research focuses on the lived experiences of two experienced users selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered via in-depth interviews and naturalistic observation, and analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, following the analytical framework of Miles and Huberman. The findings indicate that negotiation practices on Facebook Marketplace constitute strategic and performative acts, heavily influenced by users’ digital literacy, impression management strategies, and responsiveness to social cues. Informants engaged in storytelling, employed multiple accounts, utilized emotional appeals, and adopted persuasive linguistic techniques to shape negotiation outcomes. These practices are interpreted through Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, wherein interactions are seen as performances alternating between front-stage and back-stage behavior. Despite the absence of physical presence, users rely on digital semiotics—such as emojis, tone modulation in text, and contextual signaling—to convey intentions and cultivate trust. This research contributes to the understanding of digital negotiation in Southeast Asian social commerce contexts, highlighting the ways in which platforms like Facebook Marketplace foster novel forms of economic participation, digital communication, and self-presentation.
This article explores the Sawah Pokok Murah (SPM) initiative in West Sumatra as a localized, reconstructive response to the capitalist-driven global food system. Through a historical sociology approach and food sovereignty framework, the study investigates how SPM challenges structural inequalities in global food markets by promoting sustainable farming practices and community empowerment. The paper analyzes the historical context of SPM, its socio-economic impact, and its role in resisting neoliberal agricultural policies. Key findings reveal that SPM empowers local farmers, reduces dependency on global supply chains, and fosters economic resilience, thereby providing a viable alternative to market-driven agriculture. However, challenges such as youth engagement and regional disparities highlight the need for targeted policy interventions. This study contributes to the discourse on food sovereignty and offers a critical perspective on how localized innovations can reshape global agricultural systems toward greater sustainability and equity.
This study aims to describe the social interactions of Cipinang residents with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) phenomenon through the lens of Muzafer Sherif's Social Judgment Theory. The study particularly emphasizes two key aspects of Sherif’s theory: Ego Involvement and Attitude. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach with a phenomenological perspective, this research explores how the LGBTQ phenomenon is perceived and responded to by the community. The results show that Cipinang residents exhibit varying responses based on Ego Involvement, with individuals either supporting or opposing the phenomenon. The analysis reveals that while some residents adopt a neutral or accepting attitude towards the LGBTQ phenomenon, considering it a non-issue, others show strong disapproval, actively rejecting its presence in the community. The findings underscore the influence of Attitude in shaping these interactions, where residents’ personal beliefs and cultural values significantly impact their perceptions of the LGBTQ community. These responses highlight the ongoing tension between social acceptance and rejection, shaped by cognitive and emotional investments in societal norms and values
Plastic waste pollution has emerged as a critical transboundary environmental issue, posing significant threats to marine biodiversity, coastal communities, and ecosystem services. This study investigates the role of environmental diplomacy in addressing marine plastic waste through the 3RProMar (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Protect the Marine Environment and Coral Reefs) Project implemented in Manado, Indonesia, during the period 2023–2024. Manado was strategically chosen due to its high vulnerability to plastic leakage into the marine environment and the surrounding coral reef systems. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation in mitigating marine plastic pollution by examining the implementation of 3RProMar, a collaborative initiative involving the Government of Indonesia, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through content analysis of project documentation, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, and an extensive review of relevant literature. The study identifies key challenges, including inadequate waste management infrastructure and limited public awareness. However, the findings indicate that the project has achieved significant progress through the integration of technological innovation, community education programs, infrastructure development, and capacity building. Notably, the initiative has contributed to a reported annual reduction of plastic waste by approximately 30% in the target area, alongside increased public engagement in sustainable waste practices. The research concludes that environmental diplomacy, when operationalized through inclusive, multistakeholder cooperation and context-specific interventions, can serve as an effective instrument for addressing marine pollution and promoting sustainable development in coastal regions.
Natural resource scarcity and its nexus with violent conflict in Post-New Order Indonesia (1998–present) present a critical challenge to the nation’s democratic transition. As Indonesia embraced democratization, newfound political freedoms coincided with escalating disputes over land, forests, and mineral resources, often erupting into violence. This study evaluates the applicability of Homer-Dixon’s environmental scarcity theory to Indonesia’s context, probing two core questions: What drives environmental scarcity in Indonesia? and Why do land distribution conflicts resist resolution? Employing a qualitative approach, the research analyzes secondary data from online media reports, government documents, and NGO publications, utilizing content analysis to identify patterns in resource disputes across regions like Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Papua. Findings reveal that environmental scarcity stems from three interlinked factors: (1) demand-induced scarcity due to population growth and extractive industries; (2) supply-induced scarcity from ecological degradation (e.g., deforestation, mining); and (3) structural scarcity perpetuated by inequitable land ownership and weak governance. Despite democratic reforms, institutional fragmentation and corruption hinder conflict resolution, exacerbating tensions between communities, corporations, and local governments. For instance, palm oil expansion in Kalimantan has displaced indigenous groups, triggering protracted violence despite legal frameworks like the 2013 Indigenous Rights Law. The study concludes that Homer-Dixon’s theory partially explains Indonesia’s conflicts but underestimates the role of political economy and decentralization dynamics. Recommendations include strengthening land tenure transparency, decentralizing resource management, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge into policy.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has fundamentally altered the landscape of energy diplomacy between the European Union (EU) and the Russian Federation, resulting in a profound reconfiguration of global energy geopolitics. In response to the crisis, the EU has initiated a strategic decoupling from Russian energy dependence, marked by a comprehensive recalibration of its energy policy. The period from 2022 to 2024 is characterized by the implementation of disruptive measures, including economic sanctions, diversification of energy supply sources, and an accelerated transition toward renewable energy systems. This study employs a qualitative comparative methodology, incorporating the analysis of official policy documents and energy trade data, to examine the evolving energy relationship between the EU and Russia. The findings reveal that the war has catalyzed a significant shift in the EU's energy import patterns, particularly in reducing reliance on Russian gas and oil. The EU has actively engaged in forging new energy partnerships with alternative suppliers such as Azerbaijan, Qatar, and the United States, while simultaneously enhancing investments in green energy infrastructure. Concurrently, Russia has reoriented its energy export strategy toward Asian markets, reflecting a broader geopolitical realignment. The study concludes that the Ukraine conflict has accelerated the fragmentation of traditional energy interdependence between the EU and Russia, fostering the emergence of new diplomatic alignments and reinforcing the strategic importance of energy autonomy and diversification in contemporary international relations.
Digitalization and globalization are reshaping the global business landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM), which serve as economic pillars in developing countries. This study examines how UMKM adopt new technologies and adapt to the evolving global business environment, utilizing Innovation Diffusion Theory and Media Ecology Theory as analytical frameworks. A systematic literature review was conducted, synthesizing insights from academic publications, industry reports, and secondary data. Findings reveal that digitalization enhances UMKM competitiveness through global market access, operational efficiency, and product innovation. However, significant barriers persist, including the digital divide, low technological literacy, and inadequate infrastructure, which disproportionately affect rural and resource-constrained enterprises. The study underscores the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaboration to support UMKM transformation, with strategic recommendations focusing on enhancing digital literacy programs, investing in scalable technological infrastructure, and formulating inclusive policies. These measures are critical to ensuring UMKM sustainability and equitable participation in the global digital economy.
This study explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing governmental efficiency within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Anchored in the Socio-Technical Systems (STS) Theory, the research examines the interplay between technological innovation and sociopolitical structures in public governance. Employing a quantitative survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 385 respondents selected via stratified random sampling. The data were analyzed using the chi-square statistical technique to test associations between key variables. The findings reveal that AI significantly improves decision-making processes and public service delivery, with 71% of respondents affirming its transformative potential in governance. However, the study identifies critical barriers, including inadequate infrastructure and insufficient technical expertise among public sector personnel. In response, the research advocates for the establishment of robust digital infrastructure, targeted AI capacity-building programs for government officials, and the ethical integration of AI systems. Furthermore, it recommends the implementation of pilot projects in strategic sectors such as healthcare, urban planning, and transportation to foster public trust and ensure inclusive adoption. The study contributes practical insights for policymakers, highlighting AI as a catalyst for transparent, responsive, and economically progressive governance in Abuja.
Green energy initiatives play a vital role in advancing sustainable ecotourism, particularly in remote regions characterized by rich biodiversity yet limited infrastructure. This study investigates the implementation of an 8,700-watt Solar Power Plant (SPP) in the Malasigi Traditional Village, Southwest Papua, and its contribution to supporting ecotourism operations and fulfilling the basic needs of the local community. Employing a qualitative descriptive methodology, the research assesses the SPP’s impact on energy efficiency, carbon emission reductions, service quality enhancement in ecotourism, and local economic empowerment. The findings reveal that the integration of the SPP significantly supports ecotourism development by supplying electricity for essential services such as clean water access, lighting, and operational facilities for visitors and residents. Notably, the SPP implementation has led to a reduction in diesel fuel consumption by approximately 3,600 liters annually and a corresponding decrease in carbon emissions of 9.02 tons CO₂eq per year. Furthermore, the community experienced a 53% reduction in energy-related expenditures. These outcomes underscore the strategic value of renewable energy technologies as a foundational component for promoting environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive ecotourism in remote areas.
The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has sparked significant debates regarding its impact on governance, economic sustainability, and public welfare. This study examines the governance dynamics influencing subsidy removal and its economic implications for long-term development. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research collected data from 385 respondents in Bida, Niger, and employed a binary logit regression model to analyze the economic, social, political, and external factors influencing policy outcomes. The findings suggest that while subsidy removal aims to reduce fiscal pressure and enhance economic efficiency, it has triggered inflation, disproportionately affecting low-income households and exacerbating economic inequality. The social consequences include heightened public dissatisfaction due to rising transportation and living costs, with government palliatives failing to sufficiently alleviate economic hardship. Politically, subsidy removal has undermined trust in the government due to concerns about corruption and misallocation of funds. The study highlights the need for a transparent framework to manage subsidy savings, accompanied by comprehensive social welfare policies to mitigate negative impacts. Policy recommendations include targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups, improved public transportation, and increased government transparency to rebuild public trust and ensure sustainable economic reforms.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was introduced in Nigeria to address election malpractices and enhance electoral integrity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of BVAS in safeguarding the 2023 general elections in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, focusing on its role in reducing fraud and improving transparency. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing online questionnaires to gather data from 385 respondents. Key findings reveal that BVAS significantly reduced voter impersonation and multiple voting, with 85.7% of respondents affirming its efficacy in curbing electoral fraud. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient technical training for election officials, and low voter awareness hindered optimal performance. Binary logit regression analysis identified voter education, infrastructural development, and funding as critical determinants of BVAS success. While the majority of respondents acknowledged BVAS’s contribution to transparency and fraud reduction, persistent technical and systemic barriers underscore the need for further refinements. The study concludes that BVAS holds promise for improving electoral credibility, but its full potential requires comprehensive voter education programs, robust infrastructural investments, and enhanced public awareness campaigns. Recommendations include targeted training for election personnel, technological upgrades, and policy reforms to address existing gaps. These measures are essential to maximize BVAS’s impact and ensure sustainable electoral integrity in Nigeria.
Global warming, driven predominantly by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, presents a critical environmental challenge. The European Union (EU) has introduced frameworks such as the European Green Deal (EGD) to foster climate neutrality by 2050, with Denmark emerging as a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption. This study investigates how Denmark operationalizes the EGD’s objectives, focusing on renewable energy initiatives and their efficacy in mitigating climate impacts. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research analyzes policy documents, national strategies, and secondary literature to evaluate Denmark’s alignment with EU directives, including the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), and international commitments like the Paris Agreement. Key findings reveal Denmark’s significant progress in reducing emissions by 50% since 1990, primarily through large-scale investments in wind energy—contributing over 40% of national electricity—and solar power integration. Policy mechanisms such as feed-in tariffs, carbon taxation, and cross-sectoral partnerships have accelerated green technology adoption. Infrastructure innovations, including offshore wind farms and district heating systems, further underscore Denmark’s sustainable transition. However, challenges persist in decarbonizing agriculture and transportation, which account for 30% of emissions, necessitating enhanced electrification and behavioral shifts. The study concludes that Denmark’s success stems from robust policy coherence, public-private collaboration, and long-term regulatory stability, offering a replicable model for nations pursuing climate resilience. While Denmark’s achievements highlight the feasibility of EGD targets, scaling such strategies globally requires context-specific adaptations, particularly in developing economies. Future research should explore transferability barriers and sector-specific solutions to address residual emission hotspots.
This article critically examines the dominance of Western epistemology in global knowledge production and its impact on the marginalization of local knowledge in the Global South. Using the frameworks of decolonizing knowledge and epistemic justice, it investigates how global academic structures perpetuate inequalities in the validation, distribution, and legitimation of knowledge. The research identifies several key challenges to epistemic independence, including intellectual dependency, the marginalization of indigenous knowledge, language barriers, infrastructure limitations, and internal fragmentation. In response, the article proposes decolonial strategies such as curriculum reform, strengthening local research institutions, fostering South–South collaboration, and advocating for policies that recognize diverse epistemologies. The objective is to create a more equitable, inclusive global knowledge ecosystem that reflects the social realities of the Global South.
This article presents analytical data on labor market opportunities, especially for traditional medical practitioners and a reflection of Government Regulation Number 103 of 2014. The need to maintain physical health is the main thing for the community. Many people try to maintain their health so they don't get sick easily. There are many ways to maintain endurance, including consuming healthy food and drinks from natural ingredients, one example is herbal medicine from natural ingredients. In addition, people have a tendency to panic too much when their body health is disturbed, for example fever, flu and cough, the symptoms experienced may resemble those of being infected with covid-19, but not all of these symptoms always diagnose that they have been infected with covid-19. In the covid-19 pandemic situation, for example, there are still many people who check their health at traditional medical practitioners. The results of this study reveal that the traditional labor market for medical practitioners is still in great demand by the community, even though there has been government regulation on traditional health services.
Rwanda's efforts to rebuild the country after the 1994 genocide received a good response from the international community. Thanks to the agricultural industry, Rwanda's economy is growing rapidly. The agricultural sector is a major contributor to Rwanda's economic growth, employing around 70% of its population and contributing 30% of the country's GDP. Even compared to other African countries, Rwanda experienced the fastest economic growth, despite traumatic post-genocide rehabilitation. The importance of the agricultural sector to Rwanda's economy makes it necessary to establish partnerships with international organizations such as FAO. Cooperation between FAO and Rwanda is then included in the Country Programming Framework: 2019 -2023. Not only to create sustainable agriculture, FAO and Rwanda's collaboration is also aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, this research will discuss in more depth how cooperation between Rwanda and FAO can contribute to achieving agricultural sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim is to better understand how international organizations have a role in the development of developing countries. To answer this, this research will use secondary data analysis methods, both qualitative and quantitative. And the results found were that empowerment programs initiated by FAO had an important role in helping develop Rwanda's agricultural sector and had an impact on achieving several SDGs goals in Rwanda. However, it cannot be denied that the problems in Rwanda's agriculture have not been completely resolved. Challenges such as climate change are one that is still a problem for many countries, including Rwanda.
The conflict in the Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan is a protracted issue driven by historical, ethnic, and resource-based factors. This study investigates the role of the United Nations in addressing the Abyei conflict, with a focus on the peacekeeping missions of UNISFA, UNMIS, and UNMISS. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study analyzes data related to the peace efforts and their impact on the region. The research utilizes the conflict resolution framework to explore how the United Nations has contributed to managing and mitigating the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, particularly in Abyei. The findings highlight the importance of the UN's involvement in facilitating dialogue, supporting peace negotiations, and conducting peacekeeping operations. The study concludes that while significant progress has been made, the success of peacebuilding efforts in Abyei hinges on continued cooperation between the Sudanese and South Sudanese governments, with sustained support from international organizations. Achieving lasting peace in Abyei requires collaborative efforts and a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution.
This study aims to analyze the Indonesian bird’s nest export to Hong Kong. Exporting is the act of selling goods and services produced by one country to buyers in another country. Importing is the act of purchasing goods and services produced by another country. Exporting and importing form international trade. According to the Export-base Theory, exporting can be a major factor in the economic growth of a country. Exporting leads to an increase in the inflow of money into a country, which in turn stimulates economic growth. Indonesia provides 80% of the world's edible bird’s nest needs. From 2018 to 2022, Hong Kong was the largest importer of Indonesian edible bird’s nest. During the period, Indonesian edible bird’s nest export to Hong Kong was 711,2 tons annually or approximately 51,8% of Indonesian edible bird’s nest total export volume. This research used qualitative approach which data collection library research; secondary data. The data is analyzed by comparing the volume and value of Hong Kong’s edible bird’s nest export and import and the volume and value of Indonesian edible bird's nest export to this country. The results showed that Indonesian bird’s nest export to Hong Kong was increased in term of export volume. However, it was decreased in terms of export value. Indonesia has become the largest contributor for Hong Kong’s edible bird’s nest import during the periode.
