Asymmetric Decentralization and the Problem of Governance: The Case of Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines the implementation of asymmetric decentralization in Indonesia and how the quality of local governance may affect it. While research on asymmetric decentralization has developed very significantly, only limited attention has been paid to the determinants of success, especially the role governance plays. This aims to fill the gap by using the case of Indonesia. It qualitatively assesses the outcomes of asymmetric decentralization in four provinces: Papua, Papua Barat, Aceh, and Yogyakarta. It finds that there is strong variation among these provinces in achieving asymmetric goals. This variation is explained by the quality of governance, especially the degree of accountability and transparency of the local governments. This article concludes that the quality of local governance has a very significant effect on the achievement of asymmetric decentralization. This is also a practical message for advocates to further improve the quality of governance for asymmetric decentralization to be successful.